A week-long national conservation campaign is calling on Canadians to snap pictures, videos, and audio recordings of the plants and animals in their area. The Nature Conservancy of Canada’s (NCC) annual “Big Backyard BioBlitz” started Monday and will wrap up Aug. 3. The campaign invites folks to document and share the birds, bugs, fungi and wildlife in their yards, local parks and trails. Observations collected help scientists and conservation organizations to track biodiversity across the country, identify invasive species and understand how wildlife populations are changing over time. “Scientists can’t be everywhere, so your findings give them a birds-eye view of what needs monitoring and protection,” says NCC conservation biologist Megan Quinn in a news release. “Every mushroom picture or bird call recorded helps conservationists better understand local biodiversity, detect and tackle invasive species, and notice changes over time.” Nova Scotia, with its forests and wetland ecosystems, is home to thousands of species. The NCC encourages Nova Scotians to use a smartphone, tablet or camera and contribute to their online database. This year marks the sixth “Big Backyard BioBlitz.” Since the event began participants have submitted more than 250,000 observations representing more than 9,600 species. “It’s inspiring to see people rediscover the wonders of the natural world, often right outside their door,” says Jensen Edwards, acting manager of external affairs for NCC. “Kneeling in the dirt and watching the bugs is bound to excite the inner child in us all. Whether you’re a nature newbie or a biodiversity nerd, we need your contributions.” For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
