Wintergreen’s bioblitz: Nourishing knowledge of the natural world

Kate Belmore | May 25, 2016

Want to learn more about wildlife identification? To spend a day outdoors exploring? To have a staring contest with a peregrine falcon? You can do all of these things and more at the Wintergreen Studios’ 2nd Annual BioBlitz. BioBlitzes bring together expert and amateur naturalists to identify as many species as possible in 24 hours. Wintergreen’s BioBlitz will take place from 12 noon Saturday June 4 to 4pm Sunday June 5, and will feature guided hikes, kids’ programs, and identification (ID) workshops with live critters. Come one, come all, and help us crack 1,000 species this year! This event is free and open to the public. Wintergreen is located at 9780 Canoe Lake Road near Godfrey

The term “BioBlitz” was coined during the first 24-hour identification event, which took place at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, Washington, DC, in 1996. Early BioBlitzes were held to measure the biodiversity of a site, which gives insight into the health and productivity of an ecosystem. Now many BioBlitzes include nature-themed programs such as ID workshops, hikes, and kids’ activities to teach and excite the public about biodiversity. A combination of scientific survey and environmental education make for a fun, enriching outdoor experience!

Wintergreen has lined up many exciting workshops for this year’s BioBlitz, thanks to the work of Kate Belmore and Monica Capovilla, Queen’s Education students who are serving as the 2016 BioBlitz Co-Chairs.

Kenny Ruelland and Matt Ellerbeck (Save the Salamanders) are teaming up with their cold-blooded friends to educate participants on reptiles and amphibians. Amanda Tracey, a PhD candidate from Queen’s University, will get everyone wild about wildflower ID. Dr. Graham Whitelaw, also from Queen’s, will teach participants to branch out and learn about trees, forest plots, and biodiversity. Joanie Lamoureux from Parc Safari will get participants up close and personal with a peregrine falcon. “I’m so excited for the workshops,” says Kate Belmore, BioBlitz Co-Chair. “We don’t often get the chance to feel the texture of snake skin, or see the strength in falcons’ feet. Spending time around animals – especially ones that we might find scary – helps us to love and appreciate them. It’s important we understand that they’re not something to fear, but something to cherish and protect.”

What can guests to the BioBlitz expect as they gather at Wintergreen June 4th and 5th? Education and entertainment from our many ID workshops. Enriching kids’ activities such as pond studies, Earth art and bird calling. Guided hikes across Wintergreen’s 204 acres, showcasing its forests, meadows, ponds, marshes, granite outcroppings, and a glacier-carved lake. Identification help from a team of expert naturalists, including participants from Kingston Field Naturalists, Queen’s University, Conservation Ontario, and many more.

“There’s a recent study that demonstrates that most North American children can recognize 1,000 corporate logos, but can’t name a dozen local trees or plants or birds,” says Rena Upitis, Wintergreen’s Founding Director. “The BioBlitz gives us a chance to change that – we’d like children to recognize 1,000 species – or more! Why is this important? Because if you can name something, you begin to know it. And once you know something, and learn to love it, you will also take steps to protect it.”

Come to the BioBlitz for a few hours, or for the entire 24-hour period. If you bring a tent, in the evening you can watch the moths gather, or do a bit of stargazing. Info: Rena Upitis, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; 613-273-8745