Bruce Peninsula National Park Bioblitz, 2016

Singing Sands Blitz

Help park ecologists and field naturalists from the region collect information on the variety of plant and animal life at Singing Sands. Singing Sands has long been recognised as an area with incredible biodiversity, with multiple overlapping ecosystems including cedar forest; coastal wetland; grassy fen; and dunes.

Singing Sands is well known for its wildflowers, song birds and reptiles and over the course of two days, you’ll get to explore those and many of the lesser known species as well.

No experience is necessary however experienced naturalists are encouraged to join the group and help out. Please remember to dress for the weather, wear sturdy and comfortable footwear and pack a snack and some water.

Below is a list of guided Bioblitz hikes and events. Hikes are limited to 20 people so please call and register for the hike or hikes you’d like to attend. To register, please contact the Parks Canada Visitor Centre at 519-596-2233 and dial *0 for the front desk and let them know which hike or hikes you’re interested in. There is no cost for the Bioblitz hikes.

Bioblitz Schedule

Saturday, August 6, 2016
Lichens
9:00 am – 11:30 am

Meet at Visitor Centre at 9:00 am to catch Shuttle bus to Singing Sands

Join lichen specialist Chris Deduke to explore these often overlooked plants, which play such an important role in an ecosystem. Chris will help explain the ecology of lichens, how to identify them, and the different types. From rocks, to trees, Witches Hair to British Soldier and everything in between!

Saturday, August 6, 2016

Butterflies
2:00 pm- 4:30 pm

Meet at Visitor Centre at 2:00 pm to catch shuttle bus to Singing Sands

Join our park ecologists and local field naturalist Audrey Armstrong and explore the world of butterflies. This is a great program for children and budding naturalists. The best part is where there are butterflies, there are wildflowers! This 1.5 hour hike will help teach participants about butterflies, their lifecycle, ecology and physiology. You’ll also of course get a better understanding on how to identify one from another.

Saturday, August 6, 2016

Bioblitz Base Camp – 10:00 am – 3:00 pm

Stop by the Bioblitz Base Camp at Singing Sands to talk to one of our Park Interpreters. They’ll have props and guide books on hand and are there to help you identify different species and provide some interesting in formation on the ecology of Singing Sands and Bruce Peninsula National Park.

7:00 pm – 9:00 pm – Parks Canada Visitor Center

Documentary – “The Messenger” Hosted by the Bruce Peninsula Bird Observatory.

Space is limited to 100 participants.

THE MESSENGER is an artful investigation into the causes of songbird mass depletion and the compassionate people who are working to turn the tide. The film takes viewers on a visually stunning journey revealing how the problems facing birds also pose daunting implications for our planet and ourselves.

Join local bird enthusiasts, park ecologists, and members of the Bruce Peninsula Bird Observatory for this special screening of “The Messenger”. Afterwards, experts will be on hand to answer questions and lead discussion.

For more information and to buy tickets please visit www.bpbo.ca.

Adults $15.00
Children 8-14 - $12.00

9:30 pm – 10:30 pm – Parks Canada Visitor Centre Entrance Area
Night Time Moth Station

Learn all about moths, the different types and how to identify them alongside park ecologists. Moth attractants will help bring them in and hopefully participants will get to see or hear a few other night creatures!

Sunday, August 7
The Life Aquatic!

Meet at Visitor Centre at 9:00 am to catch Shuttle bus to Cyrpus Lake.

Join park ecologists at parking lot 2 (P2) at Cyprus Lake to explore life along the water’s edge! Park ecologists will be on hand with nets and buckets to help identify the smaller micro invertebrates that inhabit the shoreline. With a few fyke nets set up, you may get to meet some of the larger residents as well! Bring your water shoes or rubber boots. menos ↑