The Ontario BioBlitz offers a number of different activities, with participation geared to your background, area of expertise, skill level, and availability. The descriptions below should help to determine the best fit for you in the BioBlitz event. You can also check out our infographic on the different participant levels of the Ontario BioBlitz program here.

If you still have questions, feel free to contact us!

Intense Biological Survey

A comprehensive biological inventory of predetermined sites within the Credit Watershed will be conducted by survey teams of specialists covering taxonomic (taxon) groups within the broad categories of vertebrates, invertebrates, plants, fungi, lichens, algae and protists. The goal is to identify or collect as many different species as possible within a 24 hour period. Any material collected or photographed during the 24 hour period can be identified after the BioBlitz has ended, but no new material can be collected after such time. 

Each of the taxon groups will be overseen by a Taxon Coordinator, a professional in that field, who will: organize survey teams, define sampling and data collection protocols, assign survey areas, coordinate identifications and work out all other logistics for their taxon. Each survey team will comprise a survey team leader who is a Specialist and other Specialists or Skilled Naturalists. Each taxon group will have one or more dedicated databaser(s) and, where possible, a team of individuals to assist with specimen processing.

Guided BioBlitz

A biological inventory of designated areas will take place during a series of guided hikes and workshops dedicated to particular taxon groups. These programs are designed for people with limited or no experience conducting inventories or identifying species, but an interest in learning to do so. Novice naturalists and young naturalists under the age of 16 are encouraged to sign up for this activity! People with time constraints that prevent them from committing to the entire weekend are also invited to join this program as participants or leaders.

Skilled interpreters and taxon specialists will lead two hour walks and workshops that will introduce participants to surveying nature and allow them to contribute observations to the bioblitz inventory. Over the course of the weekend, an individual can participate in programs covering several different taxon groups including Birds, Mammals, Plants, Fungi, Invertebrates, Reptiles and Amphibians.

Public Programs

A range of free activities will be available for adults and children at Riverwood. These programs are designed for anyone who wants to learn more about nature. They include guided hikes, nature workshops, and much more!