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Past Community-led BioBlitzes in Ontario


Every year the list of local community BioBlitzes grows, making sure to keep everyone busy surveying and learning about biodiversity across the province. You can even start your own event - reach out to your local naturalist group or conservation authority! ​Below is a map and chronological list of past events for reference, as well as some details and photos (click small images to view larger versions of them).

​If you are interested in blitzing in a location below, you might be able to reach someone via the contact info listed - if not, try to reach out to the organizations that hosted each event.

Don't live in Ontario, but want to bioblitz? Be sure to check out the BioBlitz Canada website for a calendar of bioblitzes happening across Canada, and to find out more about the 2017 BioBlitz Canada 150 project's results from around the country. 

Map of Ontario BioBlitz Events from 2012 to Present

2018

Blitzing the Moraine 2018: Happy Valley  BioBlitz

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Photo courtesy of ORMLT
When: 12pm Friday, May 4  to 12pm Saturday May 5, 2018
Where: Happy Valley Tract, York Regional Forest, 
15430 7th Concession Road, Schomberg
Who: Oak Ridges Moraine Land Trust
Connect: @ORMLandTrust (Twitter), @oakridgesmoraine.org (Facebook)
Help the Oak Ridges Moraine Land Trust collect valuable information about the properties they protect by participating in a BioBlitz at the Happy Valley Tract and a nearby Nature Reserve. Volunteers and experts will be teamed up in small groups to try and identify all the living things on the properties, from fungi hidden in the leaf litter, to majestic trees, and spring ephemerals.

Both properties contain aquatic ecosystems so characteristics of the Oak Ridges Moraine: a stream and kettle lake. Over a 24-hour period, groups will be blitzing both properties, conducting a biological inventory of them, and contributing to the records that the Land Trust can use to guide management activities. Opportunities are available for all skill levels: from nature hikes for the beginner, to being a volunteer blitzer, to sharing your knowledge and leading a group as an expert.

​For more information, please contact kstephens@oakridgesmoraine.org  
 
Register here for the Happy Valley BioBlitz!

Minesing Wetlands BioBlitz 2018

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Photo by Cathy Shaw
When: June 2, 2018, 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
Where: Basecamp is at Historic Fort Willow in Utopia, Ontario, hikes leave from various locations.
Who: Friends of Minesing Wetlands, Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority, Nature Conservancy of Canada and Ducks Unlimited Canada
Connect: Friends of Minesing Wetlands, twitter: @MinesingWetland, Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/261830517328561/, Website: www.minesingwetlands.ca
With our partners the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority, Nature Conservancy of Canada and Ducks Unlimited Canada, the Friends of Minesing Wetlands are pleased to announce the 2nd Annual Minesing Wetlands BioBlitz on Saturday, June 2nd, 2018! The Minesing Wetlands is one of Southern Ontario’s largest wetland and is home to many unique habitats, vegetation communities, and a vast array of wildlife. The Minesing Wetlands, previously known as the Minesing Swamp, is a Ramsar-designated (internationally significant) wetland located in south-central Ontario just 16 km west of Barrie. The Minesing Wetlands are one of the largest wetland complexes in southern Ontario and host the largest and best example of a string fen in this part of the province. The Minesing Wetlands have also been designated as a Provincially Significant Wetland (PSW) and a provincially significant Life Science Area of Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSI) by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF).
 
Everyone is welcome, there is a hike for everyone from kids to adults. We are also seeking more leaders and experts. Please register at: https://minesingwetlandbb.eventbrite.ca or contact fomwevents@gmail.com for more information.”
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Photo by Angela Mills

MacGregor Point BioBlitz 2018

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When: 10am Saturday, June 9  to 10am Sunday June 10, 2018
Where: MacGregor Point Provincial Park, 
1593 Bruce Road 33, Port Elgin, Ontario N0H 2C5
Who: Ontario Parks, The Friends of MacGregor Point Park
Connect: Twitter: @FOMPP, @MacGregorPoint
Help MacGregor Point Provincial Park celebrate Ontario Parks' 125th anniversary by contributing to the ecological legacy of the park. Participants will complete a biological "blitz" survey of MacGregor Point over a 24-hour period to collect data on what species can be found here in this unique complex of ecosystems. This information is extremely beneficial to our records and future projects. Surveying shifts and teams will be assigned based on experience and expertise. Teams will be sent out at varying times throughout the 24-hour period, depending on the group of species being looked for (example: birds best observed early morning, amphibians best observed at night). EVERYONE IS WELCOME! Please contact fompp@bmts.com if you would like more information.

Register via EventBrite HERE

Kingston Field Naturalists 20th BioBlitz

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When: Friday, June 15 to Saturday, June 16, 3:00pm
Where: Helen Quilliam Sanctuary on Bedford Rd
Who: Kingston Field Naturalists

Invitation Letter KFN BioBlitz 2018
File Size: 158 kb
File Type: doc
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2018 KFN BioBlitz Program
File Size: 15 kb
File Type: doc
Download File

This will be the Kingston Field Naturalists 20th  BioBlitz in the Kingston area! We would like to record up to 1,000 species in
24 hours and hope that everyone, including our volunteers, will find it a fun and educational event. This BioBlitz follows Blitzes in this location in 2000 and 2002 and will serve to show changes that have occurred in the past 16 years as well as add to the tally.

The idea for the BioBlitz comes from the Canadian Biodiversity Institute. It’s an inventory of as many living things as can be identified within a 24 hour period. Specialists and experts from a diverse set of disciplines will be grouped with interested volunteers to explore the area under investigation. The inventory and interaction of volunteers with the public are integral goals of this event.

The BioBlitz takes place from 3:00 pm on Friday, 15 June, to 3:00 pm on Saturday, 16 June, 2018.  

​The event will run, rain or shine.

​The Site
We are delighted to hold this special 20th BioBlitz at our own property - the Helen Quilliam Sanctuary.  This 498 acre property on the Canadian Shield has a variety of habitats including deciduous and coniferous forest, stream, lake, rocky outcrops, cliffs, marshes, ponds and an acid bog.  

Accommodation  BOOK NOW!! Information on the web
Camping. There will be no camping at the site. 
Desert Lake Family Resort is the nearest campground (613 374 2196).  They also have rooms
Cottages  Snug Harbour Resort at Mitchell Creek  (613 374 5412)
B and B. Try web:   S Frontenac 2018 Top 20
 
Registration:  Participants must register at the BioBlitz base site between 2:30 and 9:00 pm on Friday,
June 15
or between 8:00 am and 2:00 pm on Saturday, June 16.

You may contact us at:
​Anne (h) 613-389-6742,(c) 613 985 8967, n8ture.anne@sympatico.ca. or Erwin: alerwin@xplornet.ca.  (h) 613 542 2048

Blitzing the Moraine 2018: Uxbridge  BioBlitz

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Photo courtesy of ORMLT
When: Saturday, June 16, 4am to Midnight
Where: 
Uxbridge Township. Exact location will be sent to registered participants​
Who: Oak Ridges Moraine Land Trust
Connect: @ORMLandTrust (Twitter), @oakridgesmoraine.org (Facebook)
Help the Oak Ridges Moraine Land Trust collect valuable information about the properties they protect by participating in a BioBlitz in Uxbridge. Volunteer and experience the opportunity to explore a protected property not usually open to the public. Volunteers and experts are teamed up for 3-4 hour shifts to identify all the species living on the property, and contribute to the records that the Land Trust can use to guide management activities.
​
​Opportunities are available for all skill levels: from nature hikes for the beginner, to being a volunteer blitzer, to sharing your knowledge and leading a group as an expert. For more information, please contact kstephens@oakridgesmoraine.org
 
Register Here for the Uxbridge BioBlitz!

Rogers Reservoir BioBlitz

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When: Saturday, June 16, 5am - dusk
Where: Rogers Reservoir Conservation Area situated just north of Newmarket

Who: Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority
Connect: Twitter: @LSRCA  Facebook & Instagram: @LakeSimcoeConservation
Will you help us search, collect and identify regionally rare and endangered species at Rogers Re​servoir Conservation Area​? Join us for the 2018 BioBlitz and find out what amphibians, reptiles, fish, plants, insects and breeding birds call Rogers ​R​eser​voir home.​
 
Rogers Reservoir consists of a mix of riparian and upland forest, a small plantation, wetlands, both naturally occurring and recently constructed, and meadow habitats. It has been very successful in adapting to successional changes, and is home to a number of watershed rare species including black walnut, wild coffee, bobolink, meadowlark, redside dace, and snapping turtles.
 
For more information or to register, visit www.LSRCA.on.ca/bioblitz
​

Cootes Escarpment BioBlitz

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Image credit: Royal Botanical Gardens
When: Friday, June 22nd to Saturday June 23rd, 2018
Where: Royal Botanical Gardens Arboretum, 16 Old Guelph Road, Hamilton, ON L0R 2H9
Who: Cootes to Escarpment Ecopark System, Royal Botanical Gardens, Hamilton Conservation Authority, Conservation Halton,  McMaster University, Hamilton Naturalists’ Club, City of Hamilton, ​City of Burlington, Halton Region, ​Bruce Trail Conservancy
Connect: Twitter: @C2Eecopark Facebook: @CootesToEscarpment
The lands and waters of the Cootes to Escarpment EcoPark System are a Canadian biodiversity hotspot. If you are an expert in flora and fauna or simply love nature and are looking to explore what the Ecopark has to offer, we need your help! Join us for our second annual BioBlitz event to identify as much variety of living things as possible. Maybe you will discover something we never knew was here before! Join us as an expert to inventory the area or as a citizen scientist by partaking in engaging guided hikes on Friday and Saturday. 
Register for this free and fun event at rbg.ca/bioblitz

Northumberland BioBlitz

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When: Saturday, June 23  to Sunday June 24, 2018
Where: 
Ganaraska Forest Centre
10585 Cold Springs Camp Rd, Campbellcroft, ON L0A 1B0 
​(905) 797-2721

https://goo.gl/maps/EahAgGRWSHT2
Who: Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority, Willow Beach Field Naturalists, BEAN and Ontario BioBlitz
Connect: Twitter: @GanaraskaFC; @BEANOntario Facebook: Willow Beach Field Naturalists
The Ganaraska Forest is one of the largest continuous forests in Southern Ontario. This blitz will be surveying selected biodiversity hotspots within the 11,000 acres forest! On Sunday, June 24th we invite the public to join our experts at the Ganaraska Forest Centre as we reveal the species that have been identified during the blitz! Conservation Workshops, Live Animal Presentations a Guided Walks will also be offered to the public on the 24th.

For more info, please check out the Northumberland BioBlitz Facebook group (CLICK HERE) and/or contact Chris Ketola (905-396-5124) email: northumberlandbioblitz@gmail.com

Point Pelee 100 BioBlitz

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Photo via Essex County Nature
When: Noon Saturday, July 21  to Noon Sunday July 22, 2018
Where: Point Pelee National Park (Visitor Centre)

Who: Parks Canada, Essex County Nature
Connect: Twitter: @PointPeleeNP, @ECFNC
In celebration of Point Pelee's 100 years of conservation and even more years of ecological study and monitoring you are invited to join our first all park, all species BioBlitz. Over a 24 hour period, the park's resources conservation staff will be joined by national experts and local naturalists to conduct a search for all different kinds of species in the park. Join experts for talks and hikes on different groups of species found in the park, or volunteer your time and assist with the count.
Contact the park for more information on how to participate or to register as a volunteer: pelee.info@pc.gc.ca or 519-322-2365.

Blitzing the Moraine 2018: King Township  BioBlitz

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Photo courtesy of ORMLT
When: Saturday, September 15, 4am to Midnight
Where: 
King Township. Exact location will be sent to registered participants​
Who: Oak Ridges Moraine Land Trust
Connect: @ORMLandTrust (Twitter), @oakridgesmoraine.org (Facebook)
Help the Oak Ridges Moraine Land Trust collect valuable information about the properties they protect by participating in a BioBlitz in King Township. An ancient kettle lake sits on the property and was formed by the melt waters from the last glacial period over 12,000 years ago. Surrounding the shores are beautiful forests and meadows. The varied habitats within this protected area provide home for hundreds of bird, mammal, and insect species to discover. Volunteer and experience the opportunity to explore a protected property not usually open to the public.
​
​Opportunities are available for all skill levels: from nature hikes for the beginner, to being a volunteer blitzer, to sharing your knowledge and leading a group as an expert. For more information, please contact kstephens@oakridgesmoraine.org
 
Register Here for the King BioBlitz!

2017

2nd Annual Niagara College BioBlitz

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 When: 6am-4pm, Saturday, April 8, 2017
Where: Niagara College's Niagara-on-the-Lake Campus, 135 Taylor Rd, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
Who: Niagara College, Society for Ecological Restoration Niagara College Student Association (SER NCSA), Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA), Heartland Forest, Niagara College Student Administrative Council and Greening Niagara
Sponsor: Walker Industries

Connect: 
Twitter: @Sustain_NC – please use the hashtag #NCBioBlitz
Facebook: Niagara College Sustainability

Instagram: sustainabilitync
Website: http://www.niagaracollege.ca/bioblitz

A BioBlitz is an event that completes an intense biological survey of a specified area. The event is volunteer-based and involves scientists, community members, and amateur enthusiasts, coming together with the common goal of identifying as many species as possible within the specified time frame. BioBlitz events are increasing in popularity, as they promote citizen science, engage the public and produce species inventories. These events are intended to provide a ‘snap-shot’ of the species diversity found in a location and data collected helps create a baseline for researchers and the local community to monitor biodiversity over time. With anthropogenic factors (such as development, pollution and climate change) affecting species and their habitat, BioBlitz events conducted by citizen scientists are needed more than ever.
​
 
If you are interested in participating in the BioBlitz as an expert please email Niagara College’s Sustainability Engagement Officer Amber Schmucker (aschmucker@niagaracollege.ca) at your earliest convenience. She can answer any questions you might have and provide you with registration information. You can also sign-up through the following link:  
http://sustainability.niagaracollege.ca/project/bioblitz/
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Photo by Luke Gillett
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Photo courtesy of Niagara College Sustainability

Wintergreen Studios BioBlitz

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When: 10:00AM (Wed. May 24) - 2:00PM (Sun. May 28)
Where: Wintergreen Studios, a stunning and richly diverse 204-acre property featuring mixed forests and meadows, granite outcroppings, ponds, marshes, and even a glacier carved lake; 9780 Canoe Lake Road, South Frontenac, ON, K0K 3N0 (44.592608,-76.529491)
Who: Wintergreen Studios
Partners:TD Friends of the Environment Foundation; United Nations Association of Canada; Canada Green Corps
Connect: wintergreenstudiosbioblitz@gmail.com 
www.wintergreenstudios.com/bioblitz-2017 
Facebook: Wintergreen Studios 
Twitter: @WSBioBlitz (#WSBB2017)
Instagram: wsbioblitz
Engage in citizen science and learn more about what’s living in your backyard!

Calling all expert naturalists, amateur naturalists, nature enthusiasts, outdoor junkies, and everyone under the sun! Join us for the 3rd annual Wintergreen Studios BioBlitz, MAY 24 – MAY 28, 2017 and help us celebrate our natural heritage and learn to love our Mother Earth!

… wait a minute, that’s more than 24 hours! That’s right! This year we’re planning a “slow” blitz, modelling our event after the slow food movement. The goal remains the same – to provide a snapshot of the biodiversity on site by identifying as many plants, animals, birds, fungi, and other species as possible, but we’ll be slowing down the pace a bit. This will give everyone a chance to be more mindful and experience all the area and atmosphere has to offer, as well as learning about different species with a spectacular selection of daily workshops.

Lets all come together for this FREE, family-friendly event, to observe more, learn more, and protect what sustains us because we depend on biodiversity and now biodiversity depends on us!
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Minesing Wetlands Bioblitz

When: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, June 3, 2017
Where: 
Edenvale Conservation Area, Highway 26, Minesing, ON
Who: Friends of Minesing Wetlands in partnership with the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority, Nature Conservancy of Canada and Ducks Unlimited Canada
Connect: For more information and to register, please visit the Eventbrite page: https://minesingwetlandsbioblitz.eventbrite.ca
Website: https://minesingwetlands.ca/
Facebook: Friends Of Minesing Wetlands Group


Calling all naturalists and nature-lovers alike!
The Friends of Minesing Wetlands is celebrating it's 20th year of a non-government, not-for-profit group who's main goal is to promote educational, recreational and public awareness about the internationally significant Minesing Wetlands. In honour of this very special milestone the Friends, with partners the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority, Nature Conservancy of Canada and Ducks Unlimited Canada, we are pleased to announce the First Annual Minesing Wetlands Bioblitz!
The Minesing Wetlands is one of Southern Ontario’s largest wetland and is home to many unique habitats, vegetation communities, and a vast array of wildlife. The Minesing Wetlands, previously known as the Minesing Swamp, are a Ramsar-designated (internationally significant) wetland located in south-central Ontario. The Minesing Wetlands are one of the largest wetland complexes in southern Ontario and host the largest and best example of a string fen in this part of the province. The Minesing Wetlands have also been designated as a Provincially Significant Wetland (PSW) and a provincially significant Life Science Area of Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSI) by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF).

Haliburton Highlands Land Trust Dahl Forest BioBlitz

When: 11am June 24 - 11am June 25, 2017
Where: 
Dahl Forest - Twsp. of Minden Hills - 5 Km S. of Gelert, ON, on Cnty. Rd. 1 (Geeza Rd)
Who: Haliburton Highlands Land Trust

​Join the Haliburton Highlands Land Trust for a 24 hour BioBlitz of all taxa at Dahl Forest, a 500 acre woodlands reserve straddling the Burnt River in Haliburton County, south of Minden, Ontario. Please  visit  haliburtonlandtrust.ca for more information as it becomes available.

rare Charitable Research Reserve BioBlitz

When: Saturday & Sunday, July 15-16th, 10AM-10AM
Where: 
rare Charitable Research Reserve, ECO Centre, 768 Blair Rd, Cambridge
Who: rare Charitable Research Reserve, Centre for Biodiversity Genomics
Sponsors: Canadian Wildlife Federation, Government of Canada, Cambridge & North Dumfries Community Foundation, and TD Friends of the Environment
Connect: Twitter: @raresites
Facebook: The rare Charitable Research Reserve

Instagram: @rare_sites
Website: http://raresites.org/2017/04/register-today-for-the-2017-rare-community-bioblitz-bioblitz150/

With over 900+ acres to explore, there is much to discover at the rare Charitable Research Reserve. Guided by scientists and species experts, join us as we search the reserve as part of our first ever 24 hour BioBlitz! Become a citizen scientist by joining an expert-led team surveying the land for all the flora, fauna, and fungi we can count, and/or pop in and participate in a variety of environmental workshops and live animal shows throughout the weekend. This event has something for all ages and skill levels. Don’t miss our free barbeque and celebration on Saturday evening!

Long Point Basin Land Trust BioBlitz

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When: Saturday, August 12, 2017
Where: 
Shirley and George Pond Nature Reserve, 1653 Front Road, St. Williams, ON
Who: Long Point Basin Land Trust
Connect: Twitter: @lpblt
​Join local experts and naturalists for our first ever BioBlitz event! This event is a 12hr, community education event that will take place on the Shirley and George Pond Nature Reserve, directly north of the Turkey Point Marsh and Long Point Bay.  More information can be found at our website www.longpointlandtrust.ca. 
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Photo courtesy of Long Point Basin Land Trust
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Photo by Toby J. Thorne

2016 and earlier

Niagara College BioBlitz

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Photo courtesy of Niagara College
 When: 9am-9pm, Saturday, April 16, 2016
Where: Niagara College's Niagara-on-the-Lake Campus, 135 Taylor Rd, Niagara-on-the-Lake,
 Ontario
Who: Niagara College, Society for Ecological Restoration Niagara College Student Association (SER NCSA), Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA), Heartland Forest, Niagara College Student Administrative Council and Greening Niagara
Sponsors: Walker Industries, TD Friends of the Environment Foundation

Connect:
Twitter: @Sustain_NC – please use the hashtag #NCBioBlitz
Facebook: Niagara College Sustainability
Instagram: sustainabilitync
Website: http://www.niagaracollege.ca/bioblitz

Niagara College is hosting a BioBlitz on April 16th 2016 from 9:00a.m. to 9:00p.m. at the Niagara-on-the-Lake campus. Students, staff and community members are invited to this free event and help collect information that can inform our species inventory of the campus! Please note, we would appreciate if you left your pets at home during the event - we don't want to scare off any potential species!  Register for the Event by clicking here. The event home base will be located at the back of the campus under the large tent. Please look for the registration table when you arrive. Members of the BioBlitz Planning Committee will help with anything you may need to set up! Also to note - parking is free on Saturday!

Participants should dress for the weather and wear closed toed shoes, preferably hiking or rubber boots. There will be water available for participants as well as a free barbeque put on by the Student Administrative Council of Niagara College between 12:00p.m and 2:00p.m. For those who will be eating lunch, a monetary donation or a non-perishable food items will be collected to support the student food bank. 

There will be a free event at the NOTL Campus on Thursday April 14th 2016 to promote the BioBlitz from 11:00a.m. to 2:00p.m. in the courtyard. Dave Gibson, CFWI Chef Professor will be hosting a Bald Eagle, a Great Horned Owl, a Snowy Owl, a Red Tail Hawk, a Griffon Falcon and a Barn Owl to raise awareness about birds of prey and biodiversity conservation!
Members of the BioBlitz Planning Committee will also be there to answer any questions regarding the event. Immediately after the Birds of Prey event, there will be a volunteer orientation in room W213-1 from 2:30p.m. to 3:30p.m. for all BioBlitz volunteers. Head to the Get Involved Portal to find out how to sign up to volunteer here. 
​
​Questions? Get in touch with Gina Pannunzio, Sustainability Engagement Officer by e-mailing  gpannunzio@niagaracollege.ca or call (905) 735-2211 Ext. 7455.

East Cross Forest BioBlitz

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Photo courtesy of Oak Ridges Moraine Land Trust
When: May 13 + 14, 2016
Where: East Cross Forest Conservation Area, Scugog

Who: ​Oak Ridges Moraine Land Trust www.oakridgesmoraine.org, Kawartha Conservation http://kawarthaconservation.com/
 East Cross Forest is a story of recovery and regeneration.  This property is located almost in the middle of the Oak Ridges Moraine and has been the sight of decades of incompatible uses including mud bogging, 4 wheel drive off-roading, and bush parties (burning cars and all!).  That all ended when Kawartha Conservation took ownership of the first 552 acres in 2006.  Environmental clean-ups have kick started the process of cleaning up this property, and father time has contributed as well.  Now it is time to explore this wildly diverse Moraine property to document its richness.  Since 2006, the protected area has grown to over 1,300 acres of wetlands, sugar maple forests, pine plantations, open meadows, and sand barrens.  This spectacular property has something for everyone!  Some of the unique birds noticed on the property include Wood Thrush, Canada Warbler, Northern Flicker, and the Savannah Sparrow.

Click here to register for the East Cross Forest BioBlitz
​

For more information contact Kristie Virgoe at kvirgoe@oakridgesmoraine.org or 905-853-3171 ext 31

McLeod's Wood Nature Reserve BioBlitz

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Photo courtesy of Oak Ridges Moraine Land Trust
When: May 27 + 28, 2016
Where: McLeod’s Wood Nature Reserve, Aurora

Who: Oak Ridges Moraine Land Trust www.oakridgesmoraine.org, Koffler Scientific Reserve http://ksr.utoronto.ca/
Imagine an island of green, where cool waters flow from natural seeps, at risk trees like the Butternut cling to the soil, and birds and amphibians chirp and call in the dawning hours.  This beautiful oasis is an island, but it isn’t surrounded by water.  Instead, it is surrounded on 3 sides by new housing developments.  The pressures on this 40 acres is enormous!  Now is the time to document the diversity of species in this mixed hardwood forest, so that we can better understand the impacts of development and settlement on our natural areas.  The nurse logs in this forest are outstanding, and you’ll even have a chance to see a blue beech tree – a rare sighting in this area of Ontario!

Click here to register for the McLeod's Wood BioBlitz
 
Kristie Virgoe, Program Manager
kvirgoe@oakridgesmoraine.org

Awenda Provincial Park BioBlitz

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Methodist Point Awenda Provincial Park. Photo Courtesy of MNRF
When: Friday June 17th - Sunday June 19th at 11:00 am
Where: 
Awenda Provincial Park 670 Concession 18E Tiny, Ontario. Meet at the Activity Centre
Who: 
The Friends of Awenda Park
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Photo courtesy of Mark Wiercinski, MNRF
Come out and explore Awenda Provincial Park by participating in a 3-day BioBlitz event. Awenda is located on the shores of Georgian Bay, and offers habitat diversity ranging from old growth forest to dunes and wetlands. The park also encompasses the majority of Giants Tomb Island, a biodiversity hot spot. Awenda has rich species diversity that provides an exciting opportunity for all areas of interest and levels of expertise. 

​For more information, contact Tim Tully (705)549- 2231 ext. 225 or awenda@csolve.net

Menzel Centennial Provincial park BioBlitz

When: 3pm Friday June 17th - 3pm Saturday June 18th
Where: 
Menzel Centennial Provincial Nature Reserve, Roblin, ON K0K 2W0
Who: 
The Kingston Field Naturalists, Ontario Parks, and the Nature Conservancy of Canada
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Tiny Marsh BioBlitz

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When: 6am to 6pm, Saturday, June 25, 2016
Where: 
Tiny Marsh, 500 Tiny-Flos Townline, Elmvale Ontario
Who: 
MTM Conservation Association
Connect: www.mtmconservation.org
Click to enbiggen the photos above. All images courtesty of MTM Conservation Association
Located in the heart of Simcoe County, Tiny Marsh Provincial Wildlife Area comprises of approximately 600 hectares of marsh and 300 hectares of field and forest. Starting at 6am, a series of 1 to 3 hour outings will highlight the diversity found within the marsh throughout the day. With our expert guides, you will learn about the birds, dragonflies, reptiles and amphibians, plants, pollinators and mammals that inhabit Tiny Marsh.
 
Regardless of skill level, this family friendly event is a great way for people to connect and explore with the natural world around them.  Participants can come out for just one outing or spend the day taking in any of the several planned walks.
 
For a list of all the guided outings and to register, visit mtmconservation.org
 
Tiny Marsh is recognized as an Important Bird Area (IBA)

Bruce Peninsula National Park BioBlitz

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Photo by Parks Canada
When: August 6-7, 2016
Where: 
Bruce Peninsula National Park, Tobermory - meet at Visitor's Centre (click here for map)
Who: 
Parks Canada
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Photo by Teghan Dodds
Help park ecologists and field naturalists from the region collect information on the variety of plant and animal life at Singing Sands. Singing Sands has long been recognized as an area with incredible biodiversity, with multiple overlapping ecosystems including cedar forest; coastal wetland; grassy fen; and dunes.

Singing Sands is well known for its wildflowers, song birds and reptiles and over the course of two days, you’ll get to explore those and many of the lesser known species as well.
​
No experience is necessary, however experienced naturalists are encouraged to join the group and help out. Please remember to dress for the weather, wear sturdy and comfortable footwear and pack a snack and some water. 

Visit www.pc.gc.ca/eng/pn-np/on/bruce/activ/activ11/bioblitz.aspx for more information and BioBlitz schedule
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Photo by Teghan Dodds

rare Charitable Research Reserve BioBlitz

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photo by Maryam Fatahi
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Photo by Maryam Fatahi
When: August 14, 2016
Where: 
rare Charitable Research Reserve in Waterloo Region
Who: 
rare Charitable Research Reserve, Centre for Biodiversity Genomics
Scientists from rare Charitable Research Reserve and the Centre for Biodiversity Genomics will conduct a community blitz of this unique property on August 14. This guided survey will run from 10am to 10pm, and will be followed by a BBQ dinner. All participants are asked to meet at rare's ECO Centre at 768 Blair Road in Cambridge. The species diversity of rare is significant for one-third of the plants of Waterloo Region are found here together with 70% of the birds, 60% of the amphibians and reptiles and 50% of the mammals. As well, about two dozen species of fish inhabit the rivers and streams of rare. This diversity reflects its location along the boundary formed by the Carolinian forest zone of southern Ontario with the Northern Hardwood forest zone of the province. 

For more information, please contact Jenna Quinn jenna.quinn@raresites.org, and participants can register at: http://www.raresites.org/things-to-do/events/?ee=231

PAST EVENTS
​
2015 rare Charitable Research Reserve BioBlitz

Kinghurst Forest BioBlitz

Picture
Photo by Ontario Nature
When: May 9, 2015
Where: Kinghurst Forest Nature Reserve

Who: Ontario Nature, Saugeen Field Naturalists, Huron Stewardship Council
The rustle of maple leaves in the wind far above your head and the smell of wild leek below your feet are only a few of the delights you will encounter at the Kinghurst Forest Nature Reserve. This 281-hectare nature reserve in Grey County contains a remarkable, mature maple-beech forest that is a rare example of pre-settlement woodlands in southern Ontario. Many of the trees are 250 to 300 years old, tower over 30 meters high, and clearly show the vertical stratification characteristic of a true, old-growth forest. Designated as an Area of Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSI), Kinghurst Forest is a special place that offers the naturalist a rare glimpse into Ontario's natural past.

For more information, please contact Lisa Richardson at lisar@ontarionature.org or 416-444-8419

Manitoulin Island BioBlitz

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Misery Bay shoreline; photo by Jim Griffin
When: May 30-31, 2015
Where: Misery Bay Provincial Park
Who: 
Friends of Misery Bay, Ontario Nature, 
Misery Bay Provincial Park is a 1,100 hectare nature reserve park located along the southern shores of Manitoulin Island on Lake Huron, 35 km west of Gore Bay. A scenic and popular park, Misery Bay draws biologists, nature lovers, families and hikers alike to its significant landforms, extremely diverse habitats and distinctive flora and fauna.

For more information, please contact Lisa Richardson at lisar@ontarionature.org or 416-444-8419

Red Rock BioBlitz

When:  Friday, June 5, 2015
Where: 
Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area in Nipigon
Who: Township of Red Rock, Ontario Nature
Connect: http://www.get-to-know.org/events/220/
On June 5, Ontario Nature will join the Township of Red Rock for an exciting day discovering the aquatic life and boreal animals of the Lake Superior Conservation Area. Activities will include critter dipping, tree planting, geo-caching and a trip on the "eco-bus." The Red Rock BioBlitz is being held as a part of the Get to Know Program. This event is open to the public and is supported by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Brass Bell Family Resource Centre, Thunder Bay District Health Unit and the community of Red Rock.

For more information, please contact Lisa Richardson at lisar@ontarionature.org or 416-444-8419

Sault Ste Marie BioBlitz

When:  Noon June 6-Noon June 7th, 2015
Where: Fort Creek Conservation Area
Who: Sault Naturalists of Ontario and Michigan

A BioBlitz is coming to Sault Ste Marie on June 6th and 7th at the Fort Creek Conservation Area. The Sault Naturalists of Ontario & Michigan invite you to come out and discover what lives in this 77-hectare park located in the heart of Sault Ste Marie. Their goal is to identify 500 species and at least one species at risk on the Fort Creek property. There will be taxon teams to cover birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, plants and insects. Any one can lend a hand, regardless of skill level. The BioBlitz starts at noon on June 6 and ends at noon on June 7. 

For more information contact David Euler at davideuler@xplornet.ca.

2015 Great Canadian BioBlitz - Kingston

Picture
Photo by Janis Grant
When: June 12-13, 2015
Where: Wintergreen Studios, South Frontenac

Who: Kingston Field Naturalists http://www.kingstonfieldnaturalists.org/
The Kingston Field Naturalists are holding their 17th annual BioBlitz on June 12-13, and you're invited! The BioBlitz brings together natural history specialists and members of the public to try to identify as many animals and plants as possible over a 24-hour period, in order to document the biodiversity and set a baseline for the area. It's a community-based volunteer initiative linking science, education and public participation. This is an educational and fun, free event. there will be guided walks to learn about a variety of groups of organisms and a BBQ lunch on Saturday.

For more information, please contact Anne Robertson at n8ture.anne@sympatico.ca

Guelph Old Growth Forest BioBlitz

When: June 13, 2015
Where: 
St. Ignatius Centre of Guelph
Who: Nature Guelph http://natureguelph.ca/
Nature Guelph is hosting a BioBlitz on June 13 at the St. Ignatius Old Growth Forest. The BioBlitz will be part of the Guelph Two Rivers Festival and everyone is welcome to join. The day will kick off with an intensive survey of the forest followed by a suite of family activities in the afternoon. St. Ignatius' Old Growth Forest is home to numerous raptors and woodpeckers, as well as foxes, deer, salamders and bats. Come out and see how many you can find! 

To learn more about the day, contact Jenn Bock at jbock@uoguelph.ca.

Scanlon Creek BioBlitz - Lake Simcoe

When: June 20, 2015 - from 10am until after dusk
Where: Scanlon Creek Conservation Area
Who: Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority, Ministry of Natural Resources & Forestry

Volunteers are needed for the 1st annual Scanlon Creek BioBlitz. Come and share your expertise with others in a race against the clock to identify as many species of plants and animals as possible in one day! Surveys will be carried out to identify all the birds, frogs, snakes, insects and plants that can be found. Refreshments, snacks and light meals will be provided for participants throughout the day.

Please Contact Christa Sharp at c.sharp@lsrca.on.ca for more information.

Point Petre BioBlitz

Picture
Photo by Sydney Smith
When:  11am June 20 - 12pm June 21, 2015
Where: 
Point Petre Provincial Wildlife Area in Prince Edward County
Who: 
Prince Edward County Field Naturalists
Join the Prince Edward County Field Naturalists on June 20th & 21st for a survey of the plants and animals that call Point Petre Provincial Willife Area home. Located in Prince Edward County in eastern Ontario, Point Petre is a wonderfully diverse area that supports a variety of habitats including ponds, streams, marshes, woodlands and open fields. It's also one of Canada's birding hotspots, so grab your binoculars and field guides, and join the fun! All ages and skill levels are welcome. The survey will start at 11:00am on the 20th, and wrap up at 12:00 noon on the 21st. 

For more information contact Sheila Kuja at sanda.kuja@bell.net.

Ojibway Prairie Complex BioBlitz

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When: July 18-19, 2015
Where: Ojibway Prairie Complex, Windsor & Lasalle Ontario
Who: Essex County Field Naturalists Club

Connect: Facebook, Twitter

Located in Windsor, Ontario, Canada, Ojibway Prairie Complex is a collection of five closely situated natural areas within a 10 minute drive from downtown. Totalling approximately 350 hectares (834 acres), these sites are collectively designated as the Ojibway Prairie Remnants Area of Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSI). Varied landscapes within the area include wetlands, forest, savannah and prairie provide habitats for a vast amount of biodiversity.
PAST EVENTS
2014 Ojibway Prairie BioBlitz - June 28-29, 2014
30 experts and approximately 100 participants set out into the Ojibway Prairie Complex on June 28-29, 2014 to document all species encountered.  We found 1119 species of flora and fauna (and counting), including 12 species never-before recorded in Canada! 45 different orders of organisms were identified, plants and invertebrates made up the largest percentage of species found.

For more information, visit essexcountynature.com or www.ojibway.ca

Iroquois Beach BioBlitz

Picture
Photo courtesy of St. Lawrence River Institute
When: July 18, 2015
Where: Iroquois Beach, Iroquois Ontario

Who: St. Lawrence River Institute of Environmental Sciences

The St. Lawrence River Institute of Environmental Sciences invite you to participate in the 1st Annual Iroquois Beach BioBlitz. Come out and become a Citizen Scientist as we build our biological inventory in a race against the clock to identify as many organisms as possible. Local experts will be on hand to lead field excursions and help you identify what you find! Visit www.riverinstitute.ca

For more information, please contact Lacey MacDonald at lmacdonald@riverinstitute.ca or 613-936-6620

Wasaga Beach BioBlitz

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Photo by Wasaga Beach Provincial Park
When: August 6-7, 2015
Where: 
Wasaga Beach Provincial Park (meet at the Nordic Centre)
Who: Ontario Parks


Located within the Town of Wasaga Beach, Wasaga Beach Provincial Park is best known for its 14 continuous kilometres of sand beach on southern Georgian Bay; however this 1,500 hectare park is more than just a beach. The park has a number of different dune, meadow and woodland communities, including several provincially rare communities, and hosts approximately 774 plants, 237 birds, and over 100 other species of wildlife. It also protects the largest and least impacted parabolic dune system in the province of Ontario.

For more information please contact Melody Cairns, Zone Ecologist for Ontario Parks Southwest Zone, melody.cairns@ontario.ca 519-873-4632

Alexandria Island Park BioBlitz

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Photo courtesy of St. Lawrence River Institute
When: August 8, 2015
Where: Alexandria Island Park, Alexandria
, Ontario
Who: St. Lawrence River Institute of Environmental Sciences

The St. Lawrence River Institute of Environmental Sciences and the Raisin Region Conservation Authority invite you to participate in the 1st Annual Alexandria, Island Park BioBlitz. Come out and join us as we build our biological inventory in a race against the clock to identify as many organisms as possible. Local experts will be on hand to lead field excursions and help you identify what you find! www.riverinstitute.ca

For more information, please contact Lacey MacDonald at lmacdonald@riverinstitute.ca or 613-936-6620.

Keddy Nature Sanctuary BioBlitz

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When:  1pm Friday, June 6th to 1pm Saturday June 7th, 2014
Where: Keddy Nature Sanctuary – Blue Heron Rd, just West of Carleton Place
Who: The Mississippi Madawaska Land Trust and Canadian Wildlife Federation


This richly diverse property, located within the Scotch Corners Provincially Significant Wetland Complex, has recently been protected for perpetuity through a conservation easement with the Mississippi Madawaska Land Trust. Ecologists Paul and Cathy Keddy have lovingly maintained this special property for almost 40 years. There is a network of Maintained trails, beautiful scenery and variety of habitats to explore!

To register for the event, or for more information, contact Susan Sentesy at ssentest@mmltc.ca or 613-253-2722 and visit http://mmlt.ca for more details.

Huron BioBlitz

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A red eft - photo by Yves Scholten
When:  Saturday June 7th, 2014 from 10:00am to 8:00pm
Where: Wawanosh Nature Centre, 38854 Nature Centre Road in North Huron
Who: Huron Stewardship Council

Join the Huron Stewardship Council to document the plants and animals found in the Saratoga Swamp. This 500-hectare wetland is the largest remaining wetland in the Maitland River watershed. Its rich diversity of habitats supports nearly 500 species of vascular plants and numerous songbirds, raptors and waterfowl. Redbelly and eastern milk snakes, bullfrogs and grey tree frogs are also residents here. All of the species information gathered will be included with the results from the Ontario BioBlitz, and will help inform future management plans for the swamp. If we have enough time and people, we will expand the inventory to include a local forested area as well.

For more information or to join this bioblitz, contact Rachel White at 519-524-8394 ext. 3286  or huronstewardship@gmail.com.

Jessup’s Falls & Plantagenet Caves BioBlitz

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Fawn in Meadow, Mariposa Farm - Photo by Lisa Richardson
When:  June 14 & 15, 2014 from 10:00am Saturday to 10:00am Sunday
Where: Mariposa Farm, 6468 County Road 17 in Plantagenet (www.mariposa-duck.on.ca)
Who: Nature Conservancy of Canada and the Jessup’s Falls Escarpment Landowner Group

Jessup’s Falls is a gateway to natural discovery. Join the Nature Conservancy of Canada and the Jessup’s Falls Escarpment Landowner Group to identify and document the diverse life that calls this beautiful region home. While collecting important species information, you’ll learn about the history of the area and about some of its lesser-known wild inhabitants. You’ll also get a chance to explore Mariposa Farm, a family-run farm that specializes in chemical-free and sustainable agriculture.

For more info or to join this bioblitz, contact Lisa Richardson at lisar@ontarionature.org or 1-800-440-2366 ext. 222.

Thunder Bay BioBlitz

When: July 19, 2014
Where: Mission Island Marsh Conservation Area
Who: Ontario Nature

Sixty people of all ages joined Ontario Nature to learn about and identify the plants and animals found in Thunder Bay. A highlight for many was the discovery of an American white pelican flying over Lake Superior.

Elgin Natural Heritage Inventories

When: Various dates in June
Where: Various locations in Elgin County in southwestern Ontario
Who: Carolinian Canada Coalition


Stretching from Toronto to Windsor, the Carolinian Life Zone of southwestern Ontario is among North America’s most vibrant and fragile ecoregions. Its 15 biodiversity hotspots are home to more than 60 rare ecosystems and 150+ protected species at risk, the greatest concentration of species at risk in Canada.Within the Carolinian Life Zone, the Carolinian Canada Coalition is launching the Elgin Natural Heritage Inventory to develop an accurate and up-to-date record of Elgin County’s rich natural history. Species surveys will take place in various locations throughout the county and all citizen scientists are invited to the effort.

To learn more about the Elgin County inventories and how you can help, contact the Carolinian Canada Coalition at ElginNHI@carolinian.org or visit http://caroliniancanada.ca/elgin-natural-heritage-inventory.

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