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.
Photo: AdobeStock
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
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.
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!)
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.
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
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.
