The Kingston Field Naturalists invite you to join us for our 27th BioBlitz at Back 40 Forest near Verona 13 to 14 June 2025

This will be the Kingston Field Naturalists’ 27th BioBlitz with a goal to record 1000 species in a 24-hour period. We hope that everyone will find it a fun and educational event.

BioBlitzes originated in 1996 in the United States. The first KFN BioBlitz took place in 1997 and has since, with the exception of 2001, become an annual event. Our BioBlitz aims to inventory as many living things as can be identified within a 24-hour period within a defined area. Specialists and experts from diverse disciplines will explore the chosen site. Guided walks and social time are important components of our BioBlitzes.

The BioBlitz takes place from 3:00 pm on Friday 13 June to 3:00 pm on Saturday 14 June 2025, rain or shine.

The Site: Michael Johnson and Carolyn Bonta welcome you to Back 40 Forest, which has not previously been BioBlitzed! This 58 ha (143 ac) parcel, located ~40 km north of Kingston, is primarily second growth mixed forest; interspersed within are regenerating meadow, a former sandpit, marsh, maple swamp, mature hemlock woods, a year-round stream, small granite outcrops, and an old homestead site. Approximately 1.5 km of gentle trail passes through or near most habitat types. Lots to explore!

Registration: Participants should register at the BioBlitz base site between 2:30 pm and 9:00 pm on Friday or between 8:00 am and 2:00 pm on Saturday.

Directions to Back 40 Forest: From Hwy 401, follow Road 38 north for 30.5 km, through Verona and past Rivendell Golf Club. After passing Snider Road on your left, take the next left onto Piccadilly Road and, as you approach the cemetery, turn left (west) on Arena Boundary Road. For those who are able, we encourage you to park at the Frontenac Community Arena (4299 Arena Boundary Road) and walk 850 m to the site. Otherwise, proceed toward Beattie Road; the entrance to Back 40 Forest is directly opposite (south of) Beattie Road. Park along the road shoulder but please do not block the laneway.

Accommodation: Tent camping on-site is available with permission. Nearby roofed accommodation may be limited – book early! Contact Michael (Bonta.Johnson@sympatico.ca or 613-531-4578) with inquiries or for suggestions on local accommodation.

Species observed: For all observations, please record species name, observer, date, location observed (ideally GPS coordinates) and trail should be recorded. Applicable notes should be added. Upon registration, a tally sheet and a site map will be provided. A tally will also be kept at the BioBlitz base site notice board so you may look at species already recorded and note those that may yet be found. Please also tell us if you would like to be paired with another expert for your recording.

No collecting or wildlife handling is allowed unless preauthorized (which all group leaders will be). Photographs should be used wherever possible. We are requesting that all qualified observers prepare NHIC species occurrence forms for rare and declining species observed during this event. Forms will be available on request.

Further information: https://kingstonfieldnaturalists.org/kfn-bioblitz-2025/

BioBlitz Program 2025

Friday

3:00pm Send off Anne

3:15pm Introductory walk Carolyn and Michael

4:00pm Grass identification Dale

4:00pm TBA

5:30pm Supper

6:30pm Evening birds Phil

6:30pm Invertebrate traps set up Brooks, Damon

7:30pm Moth trap set up various

8:30pm Moth sheet surveys various

8:30pm Astronomy Bruce

Saturday

6:30 am Early birding Darren

8:00am Moth identification David

9:00am Minnow trap retrieval Mary Alice

10:00-noon Woodland ecosystems Carolyn with Ontario Woodlot Assn. Limestone Chapter

10:00-noon Kids program Amanda

11:00am Check snake boards Megan S

11:00am Beginner birding Meghan H

12:00noon BBQ

1:00pm Dragonflies and butterflies Kathy & Peter

2:00pm Introduction to Mosses Greg Rand

3:00pm BioBlitz ends