Be part of something big!

August 3 - 7, 2023

It’s easy to participate. Don't miss out!

Join thousands of newbies and seasoned bioblitzers across the country in the Nature Conservancy of Canada’s Big Backyard BioBlitz. It’s a great way to get closer to nature — and contribute to the protection of the species you love!

All you need is a smartphone, tablet or digital camera. Just snap photos of plants, animals, insects and other creatures wherever you happen to be. Then share your observations to help scientists take stock of local biodiversity, track rare species and fight invasive ones.

Deepen your connection and knowledge

Learn more about the living things in your corner of the country. Whether you’re a first-timer or a bioblitz pro, you’ll be amazed at what you’ll discover.

Enjoy an activity that’s fun for everyone

Add a sense of exploration to your family outing. Or challenge your friends to see how many cool species you can spot.

Contribute to conservation science

Your observations can help scientists take stock of local biodiversity, track rare species and fight invasive ones. Last year, Big Backyard BioBlitz participants documented an incredible 5,323 different species!

Share your photos on social media with the hashtag

#NCCBioBlitz

and automatically be entered into a draw to win a Nature Conservancy of Canada prize pack or one of our Visa gift cards**.

It's easy to participate, here's how:

1. Signup! You’ll receive easy-to-follow instructions on how to take part, and resources to help you along the way.

2. Participate anywhere — no backyard required! Photograph the beetles on your balcony. The buttercups in the park down the street. The beaver you encounter on your canoe trip. As long as it’s in Canada, every contribution counts. Audio recordings are also welcome.

3. Share your discoveries. Between August 3-7 venture out into your neighbourhood — with friends, family or by yourself — and record your observations.

What our participants had to say

I really enjoyed taking part Big Backyard BioBlitz. It allowed me to go outside and play with my camera in my beautiful flower gardens. I enjoyed being a part of a bigger community that enjoys nature as well.

Sheri Commission, Ontario

This is a great way get outdoors and explore the vast array of plant and animal species that you can find in your own back yard and local community. Through the app you can also join and support other projects that are tracking Canada's wonderful biodiversity.

Robert Blanch, Ontario

I loved learning the names of plants and other living things; in my backyard. I will continue to use this app, I enjoy that other people will help you I.D if you can't figure it out. It was a great learning experience and plan on taking part every year. I hope to get my family more involved next year.

Katrina Horvath, Ontario

I sent in a photo of a turtle to Nature Conservancy. I loved that people commented on the photo so that I learned more about this type of turtle. It was interesting to see what other people sent in as well.

Lorna Leugner, Saskatchewan

Newly hatched naturalist

Need a little support identifying the species around you? Sign up as a newly hatched naturalist and get beginner-friendly tips.

Eagle-eyed expert

Know the difference between a thrasher and a thrush? Soapwort and sneezewort? Sign up as an eagle-eyed expert.

Questions?

Please email events@natureconservancy.ca.

Thanks to our supporting sponsor!

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