2021's Biodiversity Challenge was such a huge success that the CRD and its partners are participating in the international City Nature Challenge, running April 29-May 2, 2022.
For more information go to www.crd.bc.ca/biodiversity/.
Join Greater Victoria's City Nature Challenge 2022 project on iNaturalist to be eligible to win prizes and get updates.
The CRD's first ever Biodiversity Challenge was a great success! We thank everyone who participated. The results are impressive:
371 observers recorded 1,179 species over the 4 day period.
A total of 5,369 observations were made.
Both native and non-native species were recorded. The 5 most common species found were:
Species of note included red-listed plants, a giant Pacific octopus, a big-eared bat, rare migratory birds, diverse fungi, and many amazing insects.
Learning about local biodiversity is key to inspiring action for its protection. Thank you to everyone for your participation.
The results are rolling in from what was a very successful Biodiversity Challenge. Over 5000 iNaturalist observations were made in the capital region over the long weekend, surpassing previous years by a sizeable margin!
If you have any observations that you made between May 21 and May 24 but have not yet loaded to iNaturalist, you have until 12 noon on May 31 to add these final observations to our official count. We will be announcing the final numbers and the prize winners on May 31. We will select winners from the project member list and contact winners through iNaturalist with prize pick-up information.
Please spend some time checking in with your observations. If you uploaded observations hoping someone would help you identify the species, check to see if anyone has a suggestion. If you agree with their suggestion click “agree.” If not, perhaps you can add more information in the notes or use their suggestions to narrow down an ID. The more individuals that agree with an identification the more reliable the data becomes.
For further learning, take some time to add identifications to observations from fellow project participants, to help those observations become Research Grade. This is a great way to expand your knowledge about local species and contribute to good citizen science. For more information on how to do this, see iNaturalist's helpful video tutorial.
Thanks to everyone for their enthusiastic participation this weekend!
The Biodiversity Challenge has finally arrived! We hope you are able to connect with nature in the capital region throughout the long weekend and share your observations of the amazing biodiversity you are bound to find.
When visiting local parks and natural areas, please remember to tread lightly:
While you get ready to explore biodiversity in the capital region this weekend, give some thought to the native plants and wildlife that may already be in your yard, boulevard, or balcony. Try to include some iNaturalist observations from your home landscape, and consider some ways to improve the habitat value of your yard:
Food
Choose a variety of native plants that have co-evolved with local wildlife. Different types of plants such as colourful flowers and nut and seed bearing trees and shrubs will provide food throughout the season. Flowers with different colours, shapes and bloom times will support various types of pollinators and birds. Remove invasive plants as they outcompete local plants and can support invasive wildlife.
Water
Depending on your budget and space you can add a bird bath, a pond or simply add a shallow water dish with a few pebbles or stones for insects. No matter the type of water source you choose, make sure to change the water and clean the container regularly to avoid the spread of disease and mosquitos.
Shelter
Provide plants, natural elements and artificial shelter for wildlife to use for cover, rest, hunting and breeding. Gardening with plants of various types and heights supports a greater diversity of wildlife. Evergreen trees are particularly important in the winter months when temperatures are cooler, whereas deciduous trees and shrubs can provide important shade mid-summer. Natural elements like snags (dead trees) are vital for many local bird species as they use the tree cavity to sleep and raise their young. Artificial units like bird nesting boxes can be an alternative when snags are not available.
Natural Gardening Techniques
• Avoid pesticides so your yard is a safe place for biodiversity.
• Add compost to help return nutrients to the soil and support decomposers.
• Mulch to conserve moisture, reduce weeds, add nutrients to soil, and provide shelter.
• Use water wisely and let your lawn go golden. It will return to green with the fall rains.
• Practice green lawn care by reducing lawn area, and leave grass cuttings on lawn.
Biodiversity allows humans to thrive and supports us in many ways from pollinating our food, cleaning our water, and improving our well-being. Building backyard biodiversity helps our communities and vital ecosystems that support us. No matter the size of your garden from small patio to large country lot, you can make a difference.
There are many benefits of gardening with biodiversity in mind:
• Conserve local biodiversity
• Create and maintain habitat and corridors for wildlife
• Attract wildlife that can help control potential pests in your yard
• Pollination for food and beautiful flowers in our region
• Return nutrients to the soil through decomposition
• Support your physical and mental health
Learn more ways to build backyard biodiversity at www.crd.bc.ca/gardening.
The Biodiversity Challenge is a family-friendly activity suited to nature lovers of all ages. Here are some tips to help maximize the fun and learning for young naturalists.
Choose a location.
Start with a familiar place where you and your family are comfortable. If you know where entrances points are, have an idea of where paths and trails lead and where the washrooms are, and you will be able to relax and focus a bit more on enjoying the outdoors.
Pack your gear.
To participate in the challenge you will need photographs. Make sure your phone or camera battery is charged. If you only have one camera to share, consider bringing binoculars, a magnifying glass, journals or note books or an ID guide so everyone feels involved. Take turns using the different pieces of equipment.
Dress for the weather.
No one is happy when uncomfortable. Check the weather before you go and be sure to bring hats, sunscreen, boots or raincoats depending on conditions.
Make it fun!
Depending on how old your children are and their excitement for the challenge, here are a few ideas to keep them engaged:
• Make it into a scavenger hunt (e.g. Find a flower, a tree, a bird, a mammal, a bug, a bush, something in your favorite colour, etc.)
• Play “I Spy” and use those as your observations (e.g. I spy… something pink, something in bloom, something prickly, something tall, something flying, something singing a song, etc.)
• Take the time to pause and explore your finds: If you find a slug - watch it crawl across the ground. Can you see its eyes on the eyestalks? Is it leaving a slime trail? If you see a duck - watch it swim, dive or preen – what do you think it’s doing? For trees – feel the bark and leaves. Do they feel the same as other trees? Can you see any insects or bees around the flowers? Does the flower have a pattern when you look close? Mimic the sounds or action of what you find. Stand tall like a tree, hop along the trail like a frog, buzz and flap your arms like a bee.
Even if you don’t end up with great photos or only have one observation to upload – that’s okay. The whole point is to take the time to notice the amazing diversity of life around us. You can still log on and see what others photographed and compare to what you saw on your outing or see every day.
You do not have to stray far from home to find amazing plants, animals and ecosystems in the capital region. Did you know that Greater Victoria lies in one of Canada’s nature hotspots, bursting with an incredible diversity of plants and wildlife? Nestled among our neighbourhoods and workplaces are salmon-bearing streams, Garry oak meadows, vibrant wetlands and dynamic shorelines. In our backyards and local parks we can find pollinating insects, migrating birds, native wildflowers, and towering trees. This incredible abundance of life, or biodiversity, supports clean air and water, food security, recreational and cultural opportunities, and is key to the high quality of life we enjoy in the capital region.
The Biodiversity Challenge is designed so that you can observe nature anywhere in the capital region, even in your own yard. If you are looking for ideas of new natural areas to visit, the Greater Victoria NatureHood recently published a NatureHood map. This map profiles many of the natural gems that you can visit in the region, as well as some of the plants and wildlife that you may encounter on your excursions. View the map online here. For a hard copy, visit Panorama Recreation Centre at 1885 Forest Park Drive in North Saanich, or the other locations listed in the link.
Clear photos provide evidence of your iNaturalist findings, and help others to confirm your observations. Here are some tips for taking great photos during the Biodiversity Challenge:
• Focus on a single organism. As much as possible, get close to the species you are observing and centre the organism in the frame.
• Take multiple photos for a single observation. For example, you can take a photo of an entire tree, combined with photos of its leaf, bark, and fruit. Together, this group of photos will allow for the most accurate observation.
• Discard blurry photographs. If the organism moved or there is low light, retake the photo.
• Getting a clear close-up shot of tiny organisms is important for their identification. Clip-on macro lenses can improve the zoom on your smartphone.
Have fun improving your photography skills while celebrating local biodiversity!
Welcome to the CRD's Biodiversity Challenge! There are so many benefits to your participation:
FUN
The Biodiversity Challenge is a fun, easy and COVID-friendly way to get outside and enjoy the amazing ecosystems and species found in the capital region.
LEARNING
Have you ever wanted to know the name of a bird in your garden or a flower in the forest? iNaturalist will help you to learn the names of plants and animals that make their home here too.
SCIENCE
Participation in the Biodiversity Challenge means you will be contributing to real-world science. Information that is collected through iNaturalist is used by scientists and decision makers to document populations of rare species, track invasive species, identify hotspots for wildlife mortality, and more.
CONNECTION
Connect with the online iNaturalist community to learn more about what others have found in your area, ask questions, and learn from one another.
HEALTH
Spending time outside reduces stress, boosts immunity and improves sleep. Learning about the natural world deepens our connection to nature and inspires environmental action.
PRIZES
If you are a member of the 2021 CRD Biodiversity Challenge, you will be eligible to win a number of cool prizes:
Most species observations overall (verifiable observations): Saanich Native Plants consultation
Most observations overall (verifiable observations): Smartphone macro camera lens
Most unique observation (as decided by project organizers): Local field guide
3 randomly drawn participants: Pacific Northwest Plant Knowledge Cards
For complete contest rules and more prize details go to www.crd.bc.ca/biodiversity.
Good luck!
WHEN CAN I START MAKING OBSERVATIONS THAT WILL COUNT FOR THE CRD’S BIODIVERSITY CHALLENGE? WHEN SHOULD I STOP?
All observations made starting on Friday, May 21 at 12:00 am (PST) until Monday, May 24 at 11:59 pm will count for the CRD Biodiversity Challenge. Observation time-stamped for May 21-24 may be uploaded until Sunday May 30th.
CAN I UPLOAD PHOTOS DURING THE BIODIVERSITY CHALLENGE THAT I TOOK PRIOR TO THESE DATES?
No, only observations made during May 21-24 will count for the Biodiversity Challenge.
WHAT ARE THE GEOGRAPHIC BOUNDARIES OF THE BIODIVERSITY CHALLENGE?
The map shown on the project page defines the boundaries of the challenge.
DO I NEED TO JOIN THE PROJECT AND ADD MY OBSERVATIONS TO IT FOR THEM TO BE INCLUDED?
No. All observations made within the geographic boundary between May 21 and 24 will automatically be added to the project. In order to receive project notifications such as journal entries and be eligible to win prizes, you must join the project. Join by visiting the CRD Biodiversity Challenge project page and clicking “join project” in the upper right hand corner.
WHAT KINDS OF OBSERVATIONS SHOULD I MAKE DURING THE BIODIVERSITY CHALLENGE?
Any observations of WILD plants, animals or fungi that you find in and around the capital region can be included. Observations of living or dead organisms, or evidence of organisms, like shells, cones, tracks, scat, feathers, etc., are accepted.
WHAT IF I MAKE AN OBSERVATION OF SOMETHING I KNOW ISN'T NATIVE TO THE CAPITAL REGION? SHOULD I STILL RECORD IT?
We encourage everyone to focus as much as possible on making observations of native species. These are species that originated in this area, as opposed to cultivated species (like many garden plants), invasive species (like weeds), or captive species (like your pet dog!)
If you do make an observation of a non-native species, mark it as captive/cultivated in your iNaturalist entry. Watch this video on how to mark observations as captive/cultivated.
WHAT IF I DON'T KNOW WHAT THE ORGANISM IS THAT I TOOK A PICTURE OF? HOW DO MY OBSERVATIONS GET IDENTIFIED?
If you can’t identify something that you photographed, you can still submit an observation. Capture and upload clear photo(s), and add a label with as much detail as you can. This may be as general as “flower,” “mushroom,” or “bird.” iNaturalist will use image recognition to suggest identifications for your observations, based on visually similar observations made by other people. You can choose to use this as your species ID however the software can make mistakes so you may be better off using the more general label. After your observation is uploaded, it can be viewed by the entire iNaturalist community who will help you identify your observation by suggesting a species, offering an alternative, or agreeing with your identification.
DO I HAVE TO MAKE OBSERVATIONS USING THE APP ON A SMART PHONE? WHAT IF I WANT TO USE A REAL CAMERA?
While it’s convenient to use the iNaturalist app to make observations, it’s fine if you want to use a real camera. You can upload your observations using the Upload tool on iNaturalist, and if your camera doesn’t have a GPS, you can drop a pin to indicate where you made each observation. If you’re planning on making most of your Biodiversity Challenge observations using a camera, we recommend watching this short video on how to best use iNaturalist’s Photo Uploader.
HOW DO OBSERVATIONS IN INATURALIST BECOME RESEARCH GRADE? DO MY OBSERVATIONS HAVE TO GET TO RESEARCH GRADE TO COUNT FOR THE BIODIVERSITY CHALLENGE?
For an observation to become “Research Grade”: (1) it must have a photo, (2) it must have an accurate date and location, (3) it cannot be a captive or cultivated organism, and (4) over 2/3rds of the people adding IDs must agree. It’s important to check back on your observations to see if anyone has added an identification or left a comment, possibly asking you to provide a bit more information about what you saw. All verifiable observations (photo, location, date and is not captive or cultivated) will count for the Biodiversity Challenge, even if they do not reach Research Grade. Visit iNaturalist’s FAQs for more information about Research Grade observations.
CAN I HELP IDENTIFY WHAT OTHER PEOPLE FOUND DURING THE BIODIVERSITY CHALLENGE? WHAT IF I'M NOT AN EXPERT IN ANYTHING?
Yes! In the same way that anyone can be an observer, anyone can help identify observations. In iNaturalist, go to the Biodiversity Challenge project, click “Observations” and you’ll see an “Identify” button pop up. Click this to see all the observations from the Biodiversity Challenge that still need to be identified. For more information, here is a short video about identifying observations.
WHAT ARE THE DATA USED FOR?
Observations data collected on iNaturalist is available to anyone. iNaturalist observations can be downloaded and are often used in scientific publications. Data is often shared with the Global Biodiversity Information Facility as part of the iNaturalist Research-Grade Observations dataset or can be used at a local level. Often the most immediate use of iNaturalist data happens locally: a discovery of a new-to-that-place species, someone documenting a population of a rare or invasive species that wasn't previously known, better understanding of where particular species are in that area, etc.
WHO CAN I CONTACT WITH MORE QUESTIONS ABOUT THE BIODIVERSITY CHALLENGE?
Please email watersheds@crd.bc.ca
This information was adapted from https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/city-nature-challenge-2020/journal/33377-city-nature-challenge-frequently-asked-questions.
