Celebrating Biodiversity in the Capital Regional District

Join the CRD in celebrating local species and ecosystems by participating in the 2021 iNaturalist Biodiversity Challenge, in honor of the International Day for Biological Diversity (May 22). Over a four day period, May 21 through 24, photograph and document local biodiversity in the CRD using the free iNaturalist website or app, and help to build a record of the nature that surrounds us.

Joining the CRD’s Biodiversity Challenge is simple and fun:

1. Find nature in your backyard, neighbourhood, favourite park or beach between May 21-24. Observations of wild native plants, animals, fungi, insects, tracks, or even scat are all welcome.
2. Use a digital camera or smart phone to capture your sightings.
3. Create a free iNaturalist account and upload your observations and photos.
4. Identify your findings as best you can and have people from the iNaturalist community help confirm your identifications.

By uploading photos of local biodiversity to iNaturalist between May 21 and 24 you will join a large community of local nature lovers who are helping to inventory and celebrate the capital region’s amazing flora and fauna. Observing and learning about the natural world that surrounds us can boost mental health and wellbeing, and is a key step in conserving nature for future generations.

Visit www.crd.bc.ca/biodiversity for more information on biodiversity in the CRD and the iNaturalist challenge, including details about prizes and iNaturalist resources that will help you get started.

Posted on April 19, 2021 08:24 PM by capital_regional_district