Other Projects Archives - Waterton Biosphere Region https://www.watertonbiosphere.com/project-category/other-projects/ WATERTON BIOSPHERE REGION WORKING TOGETHER FOR HEALTHY ENVIRONMENTS AND PROSPEROUS COMMUNITIES Fri, 29 Aug 2025 19:38:51 +0000 en-US hourly 1 BIOBLITZ https://www.watertonbiosphere.com/projects/bioblitz/ Wed, 05 Feb 2025 14:45:50 +0000 https://www.watertonbiosphere.com/?post_type=dt_portfolio&p=9650 The post BIOBLITZ appeared first on Waterton Biosphere Region.

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Contribute to local biodiversity science 

This year WBR is hosting a series of seasonal bioblitzes to help document the array of species found in the region.

Biodiversity depends on healthy habitat. Please reach out to Elizabeth at 403-563-0058 or eanderson@watertonbiosphere.com if you have ideas on how to improve your operation in tandem with conserving local biodiversity.

403-563-0058
Stewardship Opportunities

Photo: AdobeStock

Background

A bioblitz is a communal effort that focuses on observing and identifying as many species as possible in a specific area over a short period of time.

Photo by Stephan B. Brown

Participating in a bioblitz can help by: 

  • Revealing rare or often-overlooked species 
  • Painting a better picture of ecosystem health
  • Discovering where species are living and the habitats they prefer
  • Alerting to the potential changes of species range distribution, movements or presence of invasive species  

Getting started

For a step-by-step guide on “How to use iNaturalist” click here. If you are left wondering about anything, we have a few Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) below. Find the project website here. Information about Naturalist observation privacy can be found here.

How to Make an Observation on iNaturalist using our Mobile App
from iNaturalist

Bioblitz Tips for All Experience Levels

You’ve just Sprouted as a Species-Spotter

  • Explore different habitats

    Stroll through the prairies one day and take a sit by a pond the next. Visiting different habitat types will mean you will get to see the different species who call them home.

  • See something that doesn’t belong?

    By identifying invasive species, you can help track their spread and conserve local biodiversity. Check out examples of common invaders here.

  • Go out with friends or family

    The more eyes the merrier and the more likely you will spot something.

  • Seek out no-to-slow-movers

    Think plants, fungi, snails, or worms. These creatures give you time to observe every tiny detail.

You’ve got your degree in Backyard Biology 

  • Look for rare or overlooked species

    Challenge yourself to find the lesser-loved species like small insects or unique fungi.

  • Focus on your taxonomic specialties

    You know what they look like and where they like to be. 

  • Look for range shifters

    Search for species outside of their normal range to help us understand how populations may be shifting as our climate and landscape changes. 

  • Lend a hand to newer participants

    Sign into your iNaturalist account and use the filter menu to search for “WBR WilderBlitz” and help identify species observations with the “Identify” option.  

Prepared Packing

A few items to consider bringing with you on your outing:

  • Your smartphone or camera 
  • Weather-appropriate footwear and clothing 
  • Some water, snacks, and a lunch
  • If you have them, a field guide, pair of binoculars and/or hand lenses
  • A map of the area you will be wandering and/or a GPS device
  • Bear spray (make sure it hasn’t expired!)

WIldlife Family Finders

Going out with the whole family? Get the kid friendly Seek App.  

This iNaturalist tool makes it super simple for young wildlife photographers to contribute to local biodiversity. When they take pictures of plants and animals, the app’s image recognition will help identify the species automatically. Plus, they can earn badges for spotting different kinds of species and completing exciting challenges. 

No sign-ups or logins are needed, and no user data is collected. To include your kids’ observations in the WBR WilderBlitz, just log into your own iNaturalist account through the Seek app. 

Download Seek

WBR WilderBlitz

As we shift gears from summer to fall, the plants and animals around us are doing the same. Deciduous trees and shrubs are finishing their season with a colour explosion. Frogs and salamanders are moving to their wintering sites. Birds are heading to warmer climates. Many rodents are building overwintering food caches. And we can savour a few moments enjoying a beautiful time of the year in this corner of Alberta. 

If you are looking for a way to contribute to a community science project, wanting a new activity to do with friends or family, or just simply love being outside, consider joining the WBR WilderBlitz Fall 2025 on iNaturalist. You will be helping us learn more about the biodiversity that makes this corner of the province so important. 

The WBR WilderBlitz Fall 2025 runs from September 21 to 28, 2025. So grab your camera or smartphone and take photos or audio clips of the animals and plants you see around WBR. It can be in your backyard or in the back country – both are equally valuable.  

All participants will be entered into a draw for WBR swag. And if you want to double dip on your prize opportunities, you can also join the CWF Great Canadian BioBlitz that runs during the same period. Results will be shared on our social media channels and in our eNewsletter. 

Thank you to Environment and Climate Change Canada for supporting our biodiversity work. 

Photo: Envato

iNaturalist FAQs

What is iNaturalist?

iNaturalist provides a place to record and organize nature findings, meet other nature lovers, and learn about the natural world. 

It promotes a hope to create an extensive community awareness of local biodiversity and further exploration of local environments.  

I can’t find the WBR WilderBlitz project on iNaturalist. Where is it?

If you’re using the iNaturalist app, click on the three horizontal lines on the top left-hand side of the screen. Look for “Projects” beside the briefcase icon to find a list of projects. Use the search bar to type in the name of the project.  

If you’re using the iNaturalist website, select “Projects” under the Community menu option at the top of the page. Be sure to search for the WBR WilderBlitz and click on the current project

How do I upload an observation?

If you’re using the app, tap the “Observe” icon to capture your observations. Or you can upload photos and audio recordings saved on your device to the app later.  

If you’re using the website, click on the green “Upload” button at the top right-hand corner of the screen.  

For more help and information, please visit the iNaturalist support website. 

Why can’t I see my observations in the WBR WilderBlitz?

Confirm that you have joined the WBR WilderBlitz project. The project link and icon will only appear on the observations you’ve uploaded if you have joined the project. And don’t forget: Only observations made in WBR will be included in the WBR WilderBlitz. 

To see only your observations, from the WBR WilderBlitz project page go to “View All” in the “Recent Observations” section. Once you’re on the “Observations” page, select the “Filters” option from the top menu. From there you can add your username in the “Person” field, click on “Update search” and you should see your observations. Note: this option is only available on the desktop version. 

I wasn’t able to upload my observations during the Bioblitz dates. Can I still upload them?

Yes! As long as you have already joined the project in iNaturalist and your files are date stamped as captured within the correct collection period, your observations will still be counted as part of that WBR WilderBlitz. 

Can I get help identifying what I saw?

When you add an observation to iNaturalist, identify the species as best as you can, even if it’s as simple as “plant,” “insect,” “bird,” etc. Other users will help confirm or improve your identification, as long as it includes a photo or sound recording, location, and date. 

Can I add other wildlife signs like tracks or scat?

Yes! If you are not sure how to identify the track or scat you see, try to add a reference scale in the photo like a ruler or your hand, and add as many notes as you can. For some helpful information about animal tracks on iNaturalist, see the North American Animal Tracks Database here.  

If you can’t find your question or want to know more about this project, please contact Elizabeth at eanderson@watertonbiosphere.com or visit the iNaturalist FAQs here.

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]]> OTHER CURRENT PROJECTS https://www.watertonbiosphere.com/projects/current-projects/ Tue, 08 Nov 2022 21:15:11 +0000 https://www.watertonbiosphere.com/?post_type=dt_portfolio&p=6067 The post OTHER CURRENT PROJECTS appeared first on Waterton Biosphere Region.

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Adopt-A-Highway – Annual Fall Cleanup

Since 2013 the Waterton Biosphere Reserve Association (WBRA) has participated in the “Caring for Alberta’s Highways” program. Each fall WBRA volunteers join with others from the Nature Conservancy of Canada and Wieners of Waterton to pick litter along the highways leading into Waterton Lakes National Park. After cleaning the ditches, we all join together for a delicious lunch of gourmet hot dogs provided by Wieners of Waterton. In 2014, volunteers also enjoyed learning about the building and maintaining bluebird nest boxes from Gwen Tietz of the Mountain Bluebird Trail Conservation Society.

 

2014 Volunteers for the Adopt-A-Highway Clean-up

2014 Volunteers for the Adopt-A-Highway Clean-up

WBRA Executive Director Nora Manners helping keep Alberta's highways clean! Photo Credit: Bev Bellamy

WBRA Executive Director Nora Manners helping keep Alberta’s highways clean! Photo credit: Bev Bellamy

Join us for Highway Cleanup!

If you are interested in volunteering to help us with the highway cleanup please email us at info@watertonbiosphere.com

Usually the cleanup is scheduled for September and we are always happy to have some help!

Highway Sign 2015

Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS)

Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) are non-native plants and animals that can cause serious ecological, social and economic damage when introduced to aquatic ecosystems. Separated from the pathogens, predators, and usual factors that limit populations within their native ranges, AIS populations tend to quickly proliferate and, once introduced, are extremely difficult to eradicate.

In the last few years the spread of AIS, in particular zebra and quagga mussels, into Waterton Biosphere Region has become a very real threat. Without abundant clean water for drinking, agriculture, recreation, and wildlife, quality of life in the region would be severely diminished.

Waterton Biosphere Region is working to help raise awareness locally about aquatic invasive species and distribute information such as Alberta’s AIS Quick Facts brochure at all venues we attend.

Alberta’s AIS program focuses on monitoring, rapid response planning, education and outreach, watercraft inspections, and policy.

AIS POSTER

MUSSELS

The provincial government has been operating inspection stations where boats enter Alberta; with southwestern Alberta being a particular focus. Boats entering Waterton Lakes National Park also undergo an inspection in order to get a boating permit.

WBRA will stay informed about AIS in our area and look for opportunities to reinforce the efforts of the province and other organizations such as the Oldman Watershed Council and Crown Managers Partnership (CMP) who are also working to stop the threat of AIS. The CMP published a guide to Aquatic Invasive Species Threatening the Crown of the Continent 

Supporters of this project:

Wieners of Waterton

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]]> PAST PROJECTS https://www.watertonbiosphere.com/projects/past-projects/ Tue, 08 Nov 2022 17:45:52 +0000 https://www.watertonbiosphere.com/?post_type=dt_portfolio&p=6029 The post PAST PROJECTS appeared first on Waterton Biosphere Region.

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Waterton Biosphere Reserve Assoc. Past Projects

Waterton Biosphere Reserve Coordination Project (2008-2012)

In 2008, Environment and Climate Change Canada provided four years of core funding to help support biosphere reserves across Canada. The Waterton Biosphere Region (WBR) received a portion of this funding through June 2012 to manage the Waterton Biosphere Reserve Coordination Project. This funding provided the impetus for rejuvenation of the Waterton Biosphere Region committee. It allowed the hiring of a part-time coordinator and completion of several communication initiatives including launching of the www.watertonbiosphere.com website, publication of information leaflets, and creation of a portable display. It was during this time that WBR began working with the local community on several important projects including the Carnivores and Communities Program, the South West Alberta Cooperative Weed Management Area (now called South West Invasive Managers), Wetlands Field Day, and Digital Stewardship Stories.

Waterton Biosphere Reserve Display

This project also enabled the Waterton Biosphere Reserve Association (WBRA) to provide support to a number of local initiatives including:

  • a project by the Chinook Area Land Users Association to collect information on oil and gas leases in the Waterton Biosphere Region area to be shared with local landowners
  • completion of a summary document and community presentations for the Chief Mountain Cumulative Effects Study
  • a community riparian/range health awareness field day held by the Waterton Watershed Group in 2010
  • the Oldman Watershed Council’s “Holding the Reins” landowner forum in February 2012
  • weed control efforts by Cardston County and the Nature Conservancy of Canada
  • the Drywood Yarrow Conservation Partnership’s “Cowboys and Carnivores” monitoring program that developed an online mapping tool so that landowners within the pilot area could report their observations and conflicts with carnivores
August 2010 - WWG Riparian and Range Field Day pictured by Jen Jenkins

Waterton Watershed Group Riparian and Range Health Field Day 2010 | Photo by Jen Jenkins

Funders and Supporters:



The WBRA would like to thank the Chinook Area Land Users Association for administrative support during the start-up of this project.

Creating Networking and Social Learning Strategies in Canadian Biosphere Reserves (2011-2014)

From June 2011 to January 2014, Waterton Biosphere Region had the opportunity to participate in a national biosphere reserve project funded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC). The grant supported a partnership between the University of Saskatchewan and the Canadian Biosphere Reserves Association (CBRA) which provided the opportunity for 15 biosphere reserves across Canada to share best practices and complete a number of cooperative projects.

Learning From Each Other: Proven good practices in Canadian Biosphere Reserves

Learning From Each Other: Proven good practices in Canadian Biosphere Reserves – Click image to view PDF

In addition, funding from the SSHRC grant allowed delegates from Waterton Biosphere Region to attend several national meetings during the period of the project including the EuroMAB 2013 meeting in Ontario in the fall of 2013. EuroMAB is a subset of the world network of biosphere reserves consisting of all members in Europe and North America. The EuroMAB 2013 meeting was the first ever held in Canada and welcomed more than 190 delegates from 27 countries.

WBRA Chair Jeff Bectell and Executive Director Nora Manners facilitating EuroMAB 2013 discussion on land management in biosphere reserves.

WBRA Chair Jeff Bectell and Executive Director Nora Manners facilitating EuroMAB 2013 discussion on land management in biosphere reserves.

Funders and Supporters:

sshrc_fip_wordmark_eng unesco-mab2 uofs-logo

Replacement of Pine Ridge Exhibit (2012)

In 2012, Waterton Biosphere Reserve Association undertook a cooperative project with the Waterton Natural History Association (WNHA) and Parks Canada to create a new roadside exhibit at Pine Ridge, a vantage point overlooking the entrance to Waterton Lakes National Park. The exhibit has a central panel that features a labeled panorama of the mountains and text that highlights the “tradition of stewardship” that supports this landscape. Side panels feature Waterton Biosphere Reserve Association and the Waterton Natural History Association.

The new display on Pine Ridge.
Photo by Nora Manners

Just one of the many spectacular views from Pine Ridge.
Photo by Kim Pearson

 

Funders and Supporters:

Parks_Canada_logo WNHA

Building Constituency for Conservation and Sustainability in Waterton Biosphere Reserve (2013-2016)

Residents of Waterton Biosphere Region (WBR) have been working together for more than 30 years to balance biodiversity conservation with sustainable use of the land in southwestern Alberta. Over the last three decades, they have been supported by an increasing number of groups and agencies working to promote stewardship. Many successful projects have been completed; however, not all of these groups are rooted within the community. The importance of place-based conservation and sustainability is becoming more apparent. A strong local constituency, with shared ideas and motivation for collaborative action is what makes biosphere reserves unique. This will ensure the long term success and survival of WBR and the benefits that it brings to the citizens of southwestern Alberta.

This project has allowed Waterton Biosphere Reserve Association (WBRA) to reach out to people in southwestern Alberta in order to build constituency for conservation and sustainability. We have been working to:

1) Inform residents, businesses, organizations, governments, and other stakeholders about WBR and raise awareness about the advantages of biosphere reserve designation at the regional scale.

2) Formalize working relationships with other agencies, organizations, and governments and confirm at the administrative (government) level the boundaries for WBR and the core, buffer, and transition zones.

3) Engage stakeholders in discussion about the future of WBR and work together to develop a Cooperation Plan which will guide the future work and direction of the WBR.

Project funded by:

Samuel Hanen

Alberta Real Estate

Project supported by:

SASCI

Parks Canada logo

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