Capturing nature for science: My 2024 bioblitz adventure
A purple prairie clover photographed at the 2024 Wanuskewin BioBlitz
By Emily Schulte, Conservation Engagement Intern in Saskatchewan
Wanuskewin Heritage Park, a National Historic Site located near Saskatoon, protects 57 hectares of prairie and over 6,000 years of cultural history. Traditionally used by Northern Plains Indigenous Peoples for trade, hunting and ceremony, the park features a visitors’ centre and seven kilometres of hiking trails where guests can explore this rich heritage.
For the second year, Wanuskewin Heritage Park partnered with the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) to host a Saskatoon segment of the 2024 Big Backyard BioBlitz, a nationwide event aimed at documenting local biodiversity. The BioBlitz involved participants capturing photos or audio clips of plants, birds and insects and uploading their findings to iNaturalist, an app that helps identify species and contributes valuable data to scientists and conservationists. This effort enhances their understanding of Canada’s biodiversity and informs conservation strategies.
As an NCC intern, I was thrilled to take part in the event on Saturday, August 3. The come-and-go event at Wanuskewin Heritage Park allowed participants to explore the trails, document species and engage with nature. I had the opportunity to meet several participants, including a long-time NCC supporter who expressed her enthusiasm for the BioBlitz’s return.
Throughout the day, I encountered various plant species and learned to recognize beautiful plants, like purple prairie clover and wolf willow, as well as animal species, such as an adorable chipmunk. Taking a closer look at the plants and animals around us fosters a deeper appreciation for the natural world and the delicate balance that sustains it.
A wolf willow photographed at the 2024 Wanuskewin BioBlitz (Photo by NCC)
The BioBlitz was not only enjoyable but also a meaningful way for people and families to connect with nature. The event highlighted how conservation work can be both fun and impactful. Seeing the many observations submitted to iNaturalist for NCC’s 2024 Big Backyard BioBlitz project was inspiring. The nationwide support was tremendous, with over 47,000 observations made, demonstrating that even small contributions can have a significant impact when combined with collective efforts.
This experience has deepened my appreciation for the natural world, and I look forward to participating in future bioblitzes while continuing to explore and contribute to conservation efforts.
