A BioBlitz is a kind of “living treasure hunt” where the object is to find and identify plants, animals, insects and everything else that calls the island home. Scientists and experts from the University of Calgary, Mount Royal University, and the Calgary Naturalist’s Society will band together to rapidly establish a baseline of life forms on the island. Then, when the new island park is completed and restored with historical plant species, we’ll discover which new birds, mammals and insects have been attracted to the island.
“There could be anywhere from 200 to 2000 species on St. Patrick’s Island,” says Steven Handel, BioBlitz organizer for CMLC. “We’re all familiar with the balsam poplar trees and the dozens of bird species, but I expect more than a few surprises!”
Volunteers of all ages, interests and ranges of expertise are encouraged to participate.
Tour Schedule:
Friday, May 24
6:30-8:00 PM Bird Survey
9:00 PM Moth and Nocturnal Insect Survey
9:00 PM Bat Survey
Saturday, May 25
9:00 AM Insect Collections
10:00 AM Bumblebee Hunt
10:30 AM Plant Walk
11:00 AM Mosses & Lichens
12:30 PM Plant Walk
1:00 PM Dragonfly/Butterfly Collection
2:00 PM Identify Insects & Snails
2:30 PM Plant Walk
BioBlitz on St. Patrick’s Island
Friday, May 24 (7pm) & Saturday, May 25 (all-day, specific tour times to be confirmed shortly)
If you’d like to participate, please call the Calgary Municipal Land Corporation (CMLC) at (403) 718-0300. The island will be open to the public during the event, so you can observe and enjoy the BioBlitz experience.