BioBlitz

About

BioBlitz is a 24-hour race against the clock to count as many species as possible––mammals, birds, plants, frogs, fish, bugs––you name it. A BioBlitz introduces people to real (and fun) science and the amazing diversity surrounding us. The concept of BioBlitz was created by Harvard biodiversity icon E.O. Wilson to raise awareness of the huge diversity of animals and plants, even in developed areas. Since its creation, annual BioBlitzes have spread throughout North America. The Whistler Naturalists are proud to have presented the first BioBlitz here in 2007.

One quote from a BioBlitz participant and mother summarizes the spirit of the event:

“If I had attended an event like this when I was his age,” pointing to her four year-old son who was busily sorting moths in one of the entomologist’s pans, “I probably would have become a scientist. I just never knew that anything like this existed.”

Species Found

The BioBlitz targets alpine and valley ecosystems across Whistler. Results from the BioBlitz will contribute to the Whistler Biodiversity Project, a multi-year, multi-group effort to catalogue and protect our native biodiversity.

90 new species were found in Whistler during our 2019 BioBlitz and Fungus Among Us events, bringing the grand total to over 4,300 species! Find the new species highlighted in the 2020 Whistler Species Summary here.

Download the 2020 Whistler Species Summary below:

Whistler Biodiversity Project - 2020 Whi

Upcoming Events

Like last year the BioBlitz will have two parts. In June, our focus is on sharing the wonder of biodiversity with local schools and with the public. Instead of BioBlitz scientists doing in-person presentations we have moved to virtual presentations.

Please join us from your home on Thursday, June 25th from 6:30 – 8 pm to learn more about our natural world from two amazing scientists.

Mycologist Bryce Kendrick will present “What are fungi all about - a report on their diversity” and explore the nine (very) different Phyla. Aquatic ecologist Jordan Rosenfeld will present “The Fire of Life: metabolism and energy flow in animals and ecosystems”. Virtual talks are free, but registration is required. To sign up go to www.whistlernaturalists.ca/lecture-series.

June 16, 17 and 18, we had five BioBlitz scientists give live virtual presentations to classes at Myrtle Philip and Spring Creek Community Schools. Classes ranged from grades 3 – 7 and included talks on pollinators, spiders, insects, birds and ecology.

Also new for BioBlitz, get to know the different seed cones we have in the Whistler valley by going on a special Seed Cone Scavenger Hunt. We created a two-part video for our local K-2 students, but we think this activity can be great fun for all. Find them on the Naturalists website: https://www.whistlernaturalists.ca/seed-cone-scavenger-hunt

In July, we are planning on hosting scientists for the field portion of BioBlitz. What makes BioBlitz so exciting is that every year BioBlitz scientists find on average 200 species that we didn’t know existed here. The Whistler Biodiversity Project already has a list of over 4,300 species so to keep finding new ones is amazing. There is so much to discover right in our own backyard!

The Whistler Naturalists are happy to announce that the 14th annual Whistler BioBlitz is happening this year with some modifications for physical distancing. A BioBlitz introduces people to real (and fun) science and the amazing diversity surrounding us.

Thanks so much to the Community Foundation of Whistler for funding this event and to AWARE for being our charitable partner.

Past Events

2019

The Whistler Naturalists would like to thank everyone who made our 13th annual BioBlitz a success—an event to highlight and research the rich biodiversity in our area. First, to the quality and quantity of over 60 scientists and volunteers, some of who are the best in B.C. in their field.

2018

The Whistler Naturalists’ 12th annual BioBlitz was a success June 7-10 thanks to our hardy scientists who persevered through Junuary weather. We were so pleased to host over 70 local and visiting scientists whose combined caliber continues to amaze us.

2017

The Whistler Naturalists' 11th annual (and Canada's longest-running) BioBlitz was a huge success, thanks to the quality and quantity of over 70 scientists and volunteers.

2016

The Whistler Naturalists' 10th annual (and Canada's longest-running) BioBlitz was a huge success, thanks to the quality and quantity of over 70 scientists and volunteers.

2015

The Whistler Naturalists’ 9th annual Whistler BioBlitz: Sea-to-Sky Edition was a huge success, thanks to the great weather and the quality and quantity of over 90 scientists and volunteers.

2014

The Whistler Naturalists’ 8th annual Whistler BioBlitz was a huge success, thanks to the great weather and the quality and quantity of scientists and volunteers. This year’s BioBlitz attracted 65 of BC’s top scientists and nature educators!

2013

The 7th annual Whistler BioBlitz at Alpha Lake Park was a huge success, thanks to the great weather and the quality and quantity of scientists. This year’s BioBlitz attracted 65 of BC’s top scientists and nature educators!