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The Kingston Field Naturalists invite you to join us for our 27th BioBlitz at Back 40 Forest near Verona 13 to 14 June 2025
June 13 - June 14
This will be the Kingston Field Naturalists’ 27th BioBlitz with a goal to record 1,000 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.
To submit your public events for consideration, email Noah Cole at noahc@ontarionature.org. Please send well in advance and allow up to two weeks for posting. Events must be submitted by a member group or run jointly with Ontario Nature.