On April 12 – and for the 10th year – citizen scientists and nature lovers will gather to create a snapshot of biodiversity on Niagara College’s Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake.
NC’s annual Bioblitz is a free, family-friendly event where citizen scientists explore NC’s campus grounds – a UNESCO-designated World Biosphere Reserve – to identify and catalogue bugs, birds, amphibians, mammals and plants. Volunteers will come together with the common goal of identifying as many species as possible to create a baseline for researchers and the local community to monitor biodiversity over time.
“While Bioblitz events typically focus on inventorying local species, Niagara College really wants to connect people with the outdoors, and not only our students and employees, but the whole Niagara Region community,” said Katie Bristow, Sustainability Program & Outreach Coordinator.
The 10th anniversary Bioblitz follows the launch of NC’s Sustainability Plan, A Time for Action. Aligned with the plan, the College will enhance the event with more land-based learning opportunities to support the exchange of traditional ecological knowledge.
Participants will have the chance to enjoy a hike focused on Indigenous bird knowledge led by Creators Garden.
NC’s Indigenous Education team will lead an Indigenous Knowledge Exchange. Indigenous Education & Transition Coordinator, Sandra Mandamin, will pop Manoomin by the fire and share teachings on its harvest, preparation and cultural significance for the Anishinaabeg people. Participants can enjoy a taste of this traditional food with cinnamon and maple syrup.'
Aria D'alimonte, Indigenous Culture & Events Coordinator, will offer cedar tea and teaching about the honourable harvest. Karl Dockstader, Indigenous Education, Cultural Advisor will offer a teaching through song.
“Indigenous knowledge is central to our programming,” explained Bristow. “As people move through their own reconciliation journey, we are very fortune that our Indigenous Education team is present at BioBlitz and willing to give this knowledge to both Indigenous and non-Indigenous participants.”
Emma Gizzarelli of Jacob & Co Designs will lead an Indigenous beading workshop.
The day runs from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and includes various bird and insect hikes – including a family-friendly option – exploration of lagoon organisms, and more. Participants are welcome to drop-in to whichever sessions are of interest, and lunch will be provided for those who register.
Representatives from Niagara Geopark, Landcare Niagara, ArborSTC and Xerces Society and local nature clubs – including many NC alumni – will be present.