The Whistler Naturalists' Society, in partnership with Stewardship Pemberton and with the generous support of the Community Foundation of Whistler, conducted two BioBlitz events at the Riverside Wetlands conservation area. The events were held on August 24, 2014 and June 28, 2015. 

Each event attracted approximately 70 scientists and naturalists to survey the Riverside Wetlands, Bathtub Trail, and, to a lesser extent, the dry slope uphill. Download the Summary Memo to learn more about the project, and for more details, check out the Species List. 

What is a BioBlitz?

A 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. The concept was created by Harvard biodiversity icon E.O. Wilson, and since its creation, annual BioBlitz events have spread across North America. The Whistler Naturalists held the first BioBlitz in our region in 2007. A couple of years ago, the concept was expanded to include Pemberton and Squamish. 

BioBlitzes strive to achieve two goals:

1. To increase public appreciation for biodiversity, and
2. To increase our knowledge of all of the species that share the areas where we live.

Photos from the Riverside Wetlands BioBlitz events:

^{Scientist Jordan Rosenfeld surveys life in the wetland. Photo: Joern Rohde}

^{Pacific Tree Frog. Photo: Bob Brett}

^{Rubber Boa. Photo: Brent Matsuda}

^{Veronica Woodruff checks her net. Photo: Veronica Woodruff}

^{Western Tiger Swallowtail. Photo: Bob Brett}

Thank you to the Whistler Naturalists' Society, Stewardship Pemberton, the Community Foundation of Whistler, and everyone who participated in the 2014 and 2015 Riverside Wetlands Bioblitz events. The SLRD is proud to be a part of Canada's longest-running BioBlitz. See you in 2016!