Using a smartphone, tablet or digital camera, participants can snap photos or make audio recordings and upload their findings to contribute to a growing database of biodiversity<\/p>\n
NEWS RELEASE
\nNATURE CONSERVANCY OF CANADA
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\nFrom balconies to backwoods, a cross-country nature challenge is calling on people to document the species they encounter and help scientists monitor biodiversity across the country.<\/p>\n
The Big Backyard BioBlitz, hosted by the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC), returns for its fifth year from July 28th to August 4th, 2025.<\/p>\n
Open to everyone, the Big Backyard BioBlitz is a week-long community science event that empowers people to identify and record wildlife and plant species wherever they are \u2013 whether in a backyard, city park, along hiking trails or at one of NCC\u2019s nature reserves.<\/p>\n
Using a smartphone, tablet or digital camera, participants can snap photos or make audio recordings and upload their findings to contribute to a growing database of biodiversity.<\/p>\n
The Big Backyard BioBlitz is for all ages. To learn more and register, people can visit backyardbioblitz.ca. Participants can also download learning activities for younger naturalists from the website\u2019s Kids\u2019 Corner, such as scavenger hunt bingo, word searches, colouring pages and other activities for kids.<\/p>\n
In the 2024 event, people submitted more than 47,800 photos of various plant and animal species with 21,849 of those being located in Ontario<\/p>\n
This year\u2019s extended format is designed to give participants greater flexibility, including families enjoying the long weekend and workplaces looking to connect with nature as a team. It\u2019s an invitation to be part of something big, to pause, and explore the natural beauty around us \u2013 something we often overlook in the rush of daily life.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhether you\u2019re a nature newbie, a budding naturalist, or a seasoned observer, your contributions matter, says Megan Quinn, coordinator of conservation biology in Ontario with Nature Conservancy of Canada. \u201cThrough this crowd-sourced effort, each observation helps researchers and conservationists better understand local biodiversity, detect invasive species, and track changes over time, especially in the face of climate change.\u201d<\/p>\n
Since the event began, over 193,000 observations have been submitted by participants, documenting more than 8,600 species, including many that are rare, at-risk, or endangered.<\/p>\n
Scientists can\u2019t be everywhere, and the data collected contributes to conservation planning, species protection, and ecosystem monitoring. These discoveries provide a snapshot of what is happening in communities and on the ground. It gives NCC valuable information on the range and migration of species as we support adequate habitats and resilient landscapes.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is inspiring to see people of all ages generously volunteer their time, and rediscover the wonders of the natural world, often right outside their door,\u201d says Brianne Curry, communications manager with NCC in Ontario. \u201cBy taking part in the BioBlitz, you\u2019re not only having fun and learning something new, but you\u2019re actively contributing to a national effort to better understand and protect biodiversity.\u201d<\/p>\n
Participants are encouraged to share their sightings on social media, using the hashtag #NCCBioBlitz.<\/p>\n
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