Nature Conservancy of Canada is giving you an excuse to get outside with your family and enjoy what is around you, whether that is in your backyard, a neighbourhood park, or wherever you may be.
The second annual citizen science event called the Big Backyard BioBlitz continues through Monday. NCC Saskatchewan’s engagement manager, Kayla Burak says you don’t have to be an expert in identification or the plants and wildlife around you. Once you register, you will receive fact sheets, activity ideas and a link to the iNaturalist website and app which will help you identify what you see, whether it’s plants, insects, mosses, mammals, amphibians or species at risk. Burak says, “It’s a great way for people of all ages to look at nature more closely and learn about the plant and animal species close to home.”
Last year the Big Backyard BioBlitz resulted in over 20,000 observations across Canada with over 1,100 observations in Saskatchewan.
Burak notes that spending time outside is beneficial for both our physical and mental health, and the information helps to inform management decisions for scientists, land managers and conservation organizations.
More information can be found on the Nature Conservancy of Canada website.
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