We’re hosting a BioBlitz on Friday, May 24 - Saturday, May 25th. Come help us inventory the biodiversity of species found on our Massassauga property. Over the 24 hours, we will try to count as many species of plants, animals, insects, fungi, and other organisms that are found on our property. At the end, we’ll compile our data and use it for future research initiatives.
Located in the heart of the Frontenac Arch Biosphere, and acquired in 2001 through Eco Gifts Canada, the Massassauga property is an ecologically sensitive area with mixed forest interspersed with numerous wetlands, lakes and rocky outcrops.
All are welcome! A BioBlitz can only be successful with the help of you. Though species experts are very helpful, a broad range of species knowledge is welcome. We’ll have opportunities to refine your ID skills and utilize technology like iNaturalist to identify encountered species.
When: Friday, May 24, 2024 at 3:00 pm to Saturday, May 25, 2024 at 3:00 pm
Where: 1102 Massassauga Rd, Elgin, ON
View our information package for information on the event, including site location, what to bring, and more.
Please email Emily Verhoek, Outreach & Teaching Co-ordinator, if you have any questions (emily.verhoek@queensu.ca).
More Event Info:
After checking in at the base camp, participants will be free to explore the property. When ready to leave, we expect participants to return to base camp to check out and share observations. Participants will also have the option to check in and out via text if necessary.
Some refreshments will be provided, and prizes will be awarded at the end.
In iNaturalist, we’ve created a ‘Project’. We ask BioBlitz participants to join our project and add their observations to it. This will allow us to easily collate and display the observations collected during our BioBlitz.
Project Title: QUBS BioBlitz 2024 CLICK HERE TO JOIN OUR PROJECT
The BioBlitz is being held on a piece of QUBS property known as the Massasauga Tract, as well as the adjacent Emil Gauthier wetlands. Maps of the property are available on the next two pages. Further maps will be provided closer to the date. Our base of operations will be an old schoolhouse (coordinates 44.57650, -76.38227, house number 1102). CLICK HERE FOR LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
What to Bring
Available at the base will be:
- Shelter (in the schoolhouse and under pop-up tents).
- A portable toilet.
- Hand sanitizer and a handwashing station.
- Some potable water - please bring your own water bottle.
- Some refreshments.
You should bring:
- Your own meals.
- A water bottle with water.
- A cell device with iNaturalist installed.
- Good walking shoes for uneven ground.
- A whistle for emergencies.
- Sunscreen, rain gear, insect repellant, hat, and a flashlight for night activities.
- A camp chair.
Consider bringing:
- Tall boots and/or 30% DEET to help protect against ticks.
- A clipboard, pen, checklist and field guides, binoculars and magnifiers.
- A camera or GPS unit.
Other Notes:
- There may not be cell service at the base site, and there will not be cell service in certain regions.
- Primitive camping will be available Friday night. No services, fires or generators. Ground may not be flat.
- No pets permitted.