Kinghurst Forest Nature Reserve © Mark Carabetta
May 4, 2015 – On May 9th nature lovers of all ages will join Saugeen Field Naturalists, Owen Sound Field Naturalists, Huron Stewardship Council and Ontario Nature for the Kinghurst Forest BioBlitz. Novice and experienced naturalists will work together to document the plants and animals living in Kinghurst’s pristine old-growth forest and surrounding habitats.
The BioBlitz will run from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, May 9th. Registration will be at Kinghurst Forest Nature Reserve‘s west entrance (175195 Concession Road 6, Kinghurst). Species data collected by citizen scientists will help Ontario Nature better understand and protect the reserve’s species and habitats.
“The Kinghurst Forest BioBlitz is a great opportunity for people to enjoy this ancient forest’s wildflowers, songbirds and frogs while gathering important scientific information,” said Dana Buchbinder, Ontario Nature’s citizen science researcher. “No experience is needed, just curiosity and enthusiasm for nature.”
This BioBlitz will also feature an evening frog call hike, running from 6 to 8 p.m. Hike participants will learn about the Ontario Reptile and Amphibian Atlas and related app, which lets people identify frogs by sight and sound and immediately submit observations to the atlas.
This free event is open to interested participants of all ages and skill levels. Participants should bring a picnic lunch and water bottle, and should wear long pants and walking boots. No prior registration is required, but everyone must sign-in Saturday morning at the registration table.
The Kinghurst Forest BioBlitz is part of the Ontario BioBlitz, a province-wide initiative that aims to document all life in Ontario while educating people about the importance of biodiversity.
For more information about the Kinghurst Forest BioBlitz, see the event posting at ontarionature.org/events or contact Dana Buchbinder at 1-800-440-2366, ext. 243 or danab@ontarionature.org.
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For media inquiries:
- Colleen Cirillo | Communications coordinator | Ontario Nature
1-800-444-8419, ext. 238 | colleenc@ontarionature.org
Ontario Nature is a charity protecting wild species and wild spaces through conservation, education and public engagement. In existence since 1931, the organization represents more than 30,000 members and supporters and 150 member groups across the province, and protects 2,780 hectares of habitat in 24 nature reserves. ontarionature.org
Ontario BioBlitz is a partnership of conservation, education and research organizations. Its goal is to connect scientists with the public, promote citizen science, and increase awareness of Ontario’s biodiversity. ontariobioblitz.ca