Cross-Canada event
to benefit Nature

Nature Conservancy of Canada’s Big Backyard BioBlitz runs from August 1 to 5

August 1, 2024

Ready, set, snap! The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) is calling on people across Canada to get outside from August 1 to 5 to document the nature around them, in the name of science.

The non-profit’s fourth annual Big Backyard BioBlitz aims to create a snapshot of nature in Canada, by encouraging people of all ages to observe and document the nature around them.

People can participate solo or with a group, and as often as they want, over the first weekend in August. The Big Backyard BioBlitz is a family-friendly activity that’s engaging for all ages, no matter a person’s level of knowledge about nature. Every observation can help conservation groups and scientists understand the state of local biodiversity, track at-risk species and even tackle invasive ones.

The Big Backyard BioBlitz is a great way to connect with the outdoors while contributing to a national community science project. From invasive to endangered species, everyone’s observations help protect the nature we love.

– Caroline Tanguay, NCC biologist and Stewardship coordinator

People can use their smartphones, tablets or digital cameras to snap photos or record audio of birds, insects, plants and other species wherever they happen to be, then upload them to the event’s online database.

By documenting the wild species in their neighbourhoods, including plants, birds, insects, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, lichen and fungi, participants help scientists map species and monitor changes over time.

Big Backyard BioBlitz participants have recorded over 147,000 observations over the last four events, documenting over 7,700 species, including many at risk or endangered. In the face of climate change and biodiversity loss, people’s observations can help inform solutions.

NCC Backyard Bio-Blitz

“The Big Backyard BioBlitz is a great way to connect with the outdoors while contributing to a national community science project,” says Caroline Tanguay, biologist and Stewardship coordinator “From invasive to endangered species, everyone’s observations help protect the nature we love.”

People can visit backyardbioblitz.ca to learn more and register. Once registered, they’ll receive step-by-step instructions on participating, tips for taking great shots, fact sheets about nature near them, and be entered into a draw for a Big Backyard BioBlitz prize pack.

Participants can also download learning activities from the website’s Kids’ Corner, such as scavenger hunt bingo, word searches, colouring pages and other activities for kids. NCC’s 2024 Big Backyard Bioblitz is made possible by presenting sponsor Stantec, a global leader in sustainable engineering, architecture, and environmental consulting.

Learn more at natureconservancy.ca

Images: courtesy of the Nature Conservancy of Canada

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The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) is the country’s unifying force for nature. Through large-scale, permanent land conservation, NCC seeks solutions to the twin crises of rapid biodiversity loss and climate change. As a trusted partner, NCC works with people, communities, businesses and government to protect and care for our country’s most important natural areas. Since 1962, NCC has brought Canadians together to help conserve and restore more than 15 million hectares. In Quebec, NCC partners regularly with Conservation de la nature Québec, a non-profit organization that is distinct from NCC, to conserve Quebec’s richest natural areas. The two organizations have conserved more than 55,000 hectares of natural areas in the province. To learn more, visit natureconservancy.ca