kids pointing at insects at conservation area

08.15.2019

NIAGARA PENINSULA CONSERVATION AUTHORITY HOSTS “BIOBLITZ”

Taking inventory of all the flora and fauna found at NPCA’s Ball’s Falls Conservation Area is the purpose behind the “Niagara Peninsula BioBlitz” event taking place Saturday, August 24.

Hosted by Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority, in collaboration with the Canadian Wildlife Federation, BioBlitz will see members of the public become citizen scientists and join forces with scientists, taxon experts and nature enthusiasts to take a “nature selfie,” tracking and taking inventory of all the species that can be identified during the day-long event.

“A BioBlitz is a very useful tool used to track the biodiversity that exists in a particular ecologically important area,” says James Pagé, Species at Risk and Biodiversity Specialist with the Canadian Wildlife Federation. “The BioBlitz at Ball’s Falls Conservation Area is a simple way for people to get involved in real conservation activity. We want participants to take pictures of plants, insects and other wildlife and upload them to the iNaturalist.ca app or website. They’ll be contributing to a national database of Canada’s biodiversity.”

Ball’s Falls is a truly unique heritage and ecological site, set within the breathtaking Twenty Valley. Guests can wind up their visit with a hike or stroll along the Cataract Trail aside the banks of the Twenty Mile Creek with easy access to the Bruce Trail.

“We are pleased to be hosting our first ever BioBlitz, as these events are known to contribute to the protection of heritage and ecologically significant areas,” says Alicia Powell, Acting Manager of Strategic Initiatives at NPCA. “With the help of citizen scientists assisting in carrying out surveys and species identification activities, collecting specimens and site records, leading guided inventory hikes, and conducting workshops, demonstrations, and presentations, we will be able to provide even more incredible experiences for both locals and tourists to connect with these places.”

Niagara Peninsula BioBlitz is a free event featuring guided nature hikes and historical tours, opportunities to learn about bees and other pollinators, and a chance to step into the role of a water resource technician through benthic macroinvertebrate sampling and similar demonstrations. Activities will run from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. More information can be found at www.npca.ca/events and the Facebook Event Page. CLICK HERE FOR DETAILED ITINERARY.

For more information and to get involved with Canadian Wildlife Federation, click here. For more information on the NPCA, visit www.npca.ca. Follow on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for more updates.

-30-

Media Contact:

David DeRocco
Sr. Manager, Marketing and Events
Canadian Wildlife Federation
877-599-5777 Ext 279
davidd@cwf-fcf.org

Erika Navarro
Communications Specialist
Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority
905-650-4027
enavarro@npca.ca