BioKits: frequently asked questions

Biodiversity, or biological diversity, means the multitude of living beings, ecosystems and their interrelationships, in space and in time. It is divided into three components: genetic diversity, species diversity, and ecosystem diversity.

The PDF files may be downloaded for free. You can print them at home and take them on your outings. However, there may be a charge for access to some sites and rental of a GPS unit.

To print the logbook format, you must have access to a printer with the automatic two-sided option:

1. In your PDF software, under File choose Print.
2. In the Page Handling section, select the Booklet Printing option in the Page Scaling scroll down menu.
3. Print the entire document.
4. Fold the document in half, making sure to put the cover page on top.
5. Staple the document near the centre fold.

To print the letter format on two sides :

If you have access to a printer with the automatic two-sided option, you can simply print the entire document, following your printer’s instructions. Then staple the document.

If not, follow these steps:

1. Print the odd-numbered pages of the PDF document.
2. Print the even-numbered pages on the other side of the odd-numbered pages, according to your printer’s instructions.
3. Staple the document.

In addition to your BioKit and a pencil, whatever materials you need to perform the suggested activities are indicated at the beginning of the kit. Generally, the necessary materials are easy to find and to carry: magnifying glass, pocket mirror, camera, and binoculars. Are you missing one of these items? No problem! You’ll be able to do most of the activities using just your five senses.

In some BioKits (e.g. Île Sainte-Hélène, Cap Tourmente and Montréal Urban BioKits), use of a GPS is suggested, but it’s not compulsory. You will be able to follow the circuits of the île Sainte-Hélène and Cap Tourmente BioKits with a map and the instructions provided in the kit. If you don’t have your own GPS, you can rent one for a small fee at the Biosphere and at the Cap Tourmente National Wildlife Area. Note that the use of a GPS is highly recommended to find the geocaches (points of interest located with GPS coordinates)!

Anywhere in Canada! The BioKits are a fun way to discover the places you’ll visit all over Canada, whether in the city or in a natural setting. Some BioKits, such as the Ile Sainte-Hélène or Cap Tourmente BioKits, are designed for a specific site, while others, like the Nature or Urban BioKit, can be used from coast to coast.