A 24-hour search for creatures of all varieties is taking place in the Rockwood Conservation Area on Sept. 20 and 21.
This is the fifth annual Grand River Watershed Biothon, a fundraising project organized by staff at the Grand River Conservation Authority to support outdoor education programs.
Teams made up of GRCA staff and volunteers search for as many species as they can find in 24 hours on the conservation area grounds. Team members collect donations for each species they identify in three categories: vertebrates, invertebrates, and plants.
In addition, members of the public are invited to the conservation area on Sept. 21 from 12:30to 4pm to participate in a long list of free, fun-filled activities including:
– catching bugs with a sweep net;
– playing “Mother Nature Bingo” by identifying local plants and animals;
– wildlife demonstrations, including bird banding;
– cave exploration
– guided nature walks through the conservation area in search of wildflowers and whatever walks, hops, or flies;
– a lunchtime cookout and silent auction; and
– making tie-dyed t-shirts
People interested in becoming a member of one of the three teams must contact Biothon organizers in advance to learn more about how to participate, including information on fundraising, team meetings, and how the searches occur.
For more information, call the Rockwood Conservation Area at 519-856-9543 or 519-240-1402 or email vfieldwebster@grandriver.ca.
Donations will be accepted at the Guelph Lake Nature Centre, 7677 Conservation Road, RR4 Guelph, during the Biothon or on-line at website www.grandriver.ca in the Education section, under Nature Centres.
