The Friends of Minesing Wetlands are excited to announce the first Bioblitz of the Minesing Wetlands on June 3, 2017.

What is a bioblitz?

A Bioblitz is a volunteer-based biological inventory of a specific area. Participants include local scientists, professional naturalists, amateur enthusiasts and members of the general public. The goal of the Bioblitz is to identify as many species as possible in a set amount of time. This event provides community members with hand-on learning opportunities that can enhance their knowledge of species identification, biodiversity, citizen science and stewardship.

Why the Minesing Wetlands?

The Minesing Wetlands is one of Southern Ontario’s largest wetland and is home to many unique habitats, vegetation communities, and a vast array of wildlife. The Minesing Wetlands, previously known as the Minesing Swamp, are a Ramsar-designated (internationally significant) wetland located in south-central Ontario. The Minesing Wetlands are one of the largest wetland complexes in southern Ontario and host the largest and best example of a string fen in this part of the province. The Minesing Wetlands have also been designated as a Provincially Significant Wetland (PSW) and a provincially significant Life Science Area of Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSI) by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF).

How does it work?

You will be conducting surveys on a series of hiking trails located in the peripherals of the Minesing Wetlands. You will meet your expert leader and/or participants at your designated hiking trail (which you will choose after you register). All participants will be required to stay with their expert leaders, within close proximity to the designated trail at all times. After the morning and before the afternoon sessions happen, everyone will reconvene at Basecamp (Edenvale CA) to enjoy lunch and brief words of thanks from the organizers.

Schedule:

8-11 am – First round of hikes

11:30-1 pm – Lunch at Basecamp (Edenvale CA)

1:30-4:30 pm – Second round of hikes

Please note:

• Expert Leaders and Participants will be able to sign up for a morning or afternoon hike post-registration, there is no expectation that you commit to a full day, but to simplify the ticket process we have made it an all day event.
• There will be a kid-friendly hike available. Parents will be required to stay with their children at all times during the event.

Want to get involved?

We are currently searching for expert leaders to lead or co-lead one of 7 hikes. Please see “Expert Leader” ticket type for more information.

We are also seeking behind the scenes help to set up, tear down, prepare food, etc. Please see “Behind the Scenes” ticket type for more information.

We will now be accepting participants! Please see the “Participants” ticket type for more information.

To register as a leader, behind the scenes person, or participant for this event please click on the Event Brite button below (this is a free event):

For more information on the Bioblitz please contact us at friendsofminesingwetlands@gmail.com