This year’s crew of volunteer scientists is as exciting and diverse as ever. On Saturday they will scour Whistler’s forests, peaks, and wetlands to tally insects, plants, mushrooms, and everything else they can find.  Amazingly, over the years BioBlitz scientists have documented over 1,000 species never before recorded in Whistler!

The community event kicks off with a BioBlitz Nature Festival at Alpha Lake Park on Saturday the 23^rd starting at noon.  People can see, touch, and learn about what the scientists have found, check out interactive displays, take part in nature crafts and more!  There will also be special kids events like ‘Swamp Monsters’ from 12:00 – 1:00 pm and ‘Wild Things Scavenger Hunt’ from 2:00 – 3:00 pm. There will be lots of working scientists on hand and plenty of fun ways to participate for nature novices and experienced naturalists of all ages. 

In the evening a whole new natural world opens up and BioBlitz scientists will present ‘Night Critters’.  Starting at 7:30 pm, experts will share little known facts about things that go bump (or fly or call or slither…) in the night.  This event is suitable for all inquisitive minds, families and kids of all ages.  The event may move indoors depending on the weather, check whistlernaturalists.ca for updates.

New this year, the crew will head up to Pemberton on Sunday to visit an entirely different ecosystem – including the environment of the highly endangered sharp-tailed snake.  This red-listed species was first documented by Leslie Anthony when he was collecting reptiles to display at the 2011 BioBlitz.  “[The discovery] was a big deal in herpetological circles because this was a big range extension… Not only is it highly endangered; it is also very hard to find. It’s like finding a hay-coloured needle in a haystack the size of a baseball stadium” said Anthony at the time.

The Pemberton Blitz will take place on the Fulton property, land recently acquired by the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District (SLRD)for its habitat value and one documented site for Sharp-tailed Snake. In partnership with Stewardship Pemberton and the SLRD, the Pemberton Blitz will provide valuable information on the habitat of the federally endangered sharp-tailed snake.  It is also expected to add significantly to the species list for the area, similar to what happened in Whistler, and allow for more thoughtful discussions on conservation vs. development.

“We’re especially excited about this year’s BioBlitz,” says the Whistler Naturalists’ Bob Brett. “It’s great to welcome back most of the core group of scientists who’ve made BioBlitz such a success. Plus, we’re delighted to welcome for the first time some star scientists who’ve never been able to make it before.”

“Each year it’s delightful to see people get really excited about something they see or learn about at BioBlitz,” says the Whistler Naturalists’ Kristina Swerhun.  “Loads of people are in Whistler because of its natural beauty, but at the same time many don’t know the names of some of our most common species.  When we’re unable to name species or understand their role in the environment, we take them for granted.   BioBlitz is a chance to get to know nature better and better understand its value.  It’s the educational side of conservation – if we help people care about nature first, there’s a better chance they’ll care for it.”

Schedule of Public Events:

Saturday August 23^rd – Alpha Lake Park, Whistler

12 – 5 pm:            FREE Nature Festival with live critters, touching tables, working scientists, interactive displays, nature crafts and more!

12 – 1 pm:             Swamp Monsters – get to know you local wetland like never before

2 – 3 pm:               Wild Things Scavenger Hunt – not your everyday scavenger hunt

7:30 – 10 pm:      Night Critters – the world that comes awake after dark

Sunday August 24^th – Pemberton

2 pm:                     Nature Tour – explore a new conservation area (Fulton Property) with hosts from Stewardship Pemberton and the Squamish Lillooet Regional District.