CORNWALL, Ontario – Be a ‘Citizen Scientist’ and help the St. Lawrence River Institute identify the creatures and plants that call Island Park home, on Saturday (August 8).
The Alexandria BioBlitz, a race against the clock to catalogue as many species that live in the St. Lawrence River watershed as possible, gets underway at 10 a.m. Rain or shine.
Lacey MacDonald, the science education specialist working with the biodiversity project, is recruiting ‘Citizen Scientists’ of all ages.
“No find is insignificant,” she said.
“We are thrilled to have those with specific expertise join us as volunteers such as members of birding or fishing clubs, but all interested individuals and families are more than welcome to come out as well. We provide the tools for gathering data and it provides an opportunity to get into the great outdoors and have fun at the same time.”
Prizes will be awarded to the environmental investigator(s) with the most species recorded over the course of the day.
For the last several months, the St. Lawrence River Institute of Environmental Sciences has been coordinating an inventory of birds, insects, plants, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and trees along the river.
By hosting the Alexandria BioBlitz, local scientists aim to generate a roster of species that will help define the health of the environment in specific areas that are along the river and its tributaries, as well as determine specific research goals to develop strategies to repair and protect the ecosystem.
Participants are encouraged to bring bug spray, hiking boots, hat, long pants, sunscreen, binoculars, GPS, and ID books.
The event is organized in partnership with the River Institute and the Raisin Region Conservation Authority (RRCA).
