Canada 150 BioBlitz to be Held at Georgian Bay Islands National Park
News Release
Parks Canada BioBlitzes enable volunteers to help scientists identify flora and fauna
June 26, 2017 Midland, Ontario Parks Canada Agency
Throughout 2017, Parks Canada is hosting BioBlitz events across the country in support of BioBlitz Canada 150, a Canadian Heritage signature Canada 150 initiative led by the Canadian Wildlife Foundation. BioBlitzes are fun and educational activities that let volunteers team up with scientists to discover plant and animal species and contribute to their protection.
As we celebrate Canada 150 with free admission to Parks Canada places, 32 graduates from Lakehead University’s Ontario Master Naturalist program will be participating in a BioBlitz at Georgian Bay Islands National Park on June 30 to celebrate Canada Day, experience the outdoors and learn more about our environment.
A BioBlitz is a team effort to find as many different life forms as possible in one location during a short period of time. At this time of year, many groups of plants and critters are at the peak of their activity cycles or at their most visible. This nationwide initiative aims to capture a snapshot of biodiversity on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of Confederation. BioBlitz events are planned throughout the summer at Parks Canada places across the country. Over the past two years, BioBlitz volunteers from across Canada have discovered one new type of mushroom, eight types of bats and 33 new plants! What will be discovered this year?
Preserving and promoting ecological integrity is a priority for Parks Canada, and the Government of Canada has committed to protecting 17 per cent of land and inland waters, and 10 percent of coastal and marine waters by 2020. Canada 150 offers an opportunity for Canadians to get involved in helping to protect the environment and Canada’s biodiversity. Visitors to the park may notice conservation efforts such as turtle nesting boxes, butterfly gardens, bat boxes and bee hotels which protect some of the precious species who live at Georgian Bay Islands National Park.
Please visit the Parks Canada website for a full list of BioBlitz events happening across the country, and make conservation part of your plans for Canada 150.
Quotes
“The Government of Canada is deeply committed to preserving our national parks, expanding the system of protected areas, and contributing to the recovery of species at risk. Innovative programs like BioBlitzes enable Canadians, including youth and newcomers, to get directly involved in protecting our biodiversity in fun and interactive ways. As we celebrate the 150th anniversary of Confederation, the Government of Canada invites Canadians to connect with nature through the expanded BioBlitz program at Parks Canada’s places across the country.”
The Honourable Catherine McKenna
Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada
Quick Facts
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The Government is very pleased to offer free admission for all visitors to national parks, national historic sites and national marine conservation areas to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Confederation. Use your 2017 Discovery Pass to visit fabulous places like Georgian Bay Islands National Park, Bethune Memorial House National Historic Site, and Thousand Islands National Park.
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Parks Canada is a recognized leader in conservation. Through its Conservation and Restoration Program, Parks Canada takes actions to preserve national parks and contribute to the recovery of species at risk.
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This summer will be busy at our parks, so we encourage people to plan their trip before hitting the road by visiting the Parks Canada website. Georgian Bay Islands National Park is composed of 63 islands and is accessible by boat only. Non boaters can reserve the Daytripper shuttle service by calling 705-526-8907.
Associated Links
Contacts
Bruce MacMillan
Public Relations and Communications Officer
Georgian Bay and Ontario East Field Unit
Bruce.Macmillan@pc.gc.ca
613-923-5261 ext. 122
Media Relations
Parks Canada Agency
855-862-1812
pc.media@pc.gc.ca