Embarking on backyard photo expedition benefits science, conservancy says

Manitobans can contribute to a global scientific database that helps scientists further understand local wildlife by simply going outside and snapping some photos.

The Big Backyard BioBlitz, which began earlier this week and ends Monday, is an annual national event organized by the Nature Conservancy of Canada that encourages people to record wildlife observations and submit them to researchers.

People can take photos of animals, insects or plants at any outdoor space and submit them virtually through the NCC website. The program is a great way for people to take part in protecting the environment, said Christine Chilton, the conservancy’s Manitoba region community development manager.

“It becomes really easy to say, ‘The climate is in trouble and things are not going the way we want them to, I wish somebody would do something about it.’ This is a really neat way for people to be a part of the story and help make a difference.”

She said it also gives people an opportunity to get outside and experience things in their own backyard they might normally take for granted.

“It’s a way for us to just remember what’s there and to connect with nature around us,” she said.

The information submitted greatly helps researchers understand gaps in preservation for local wildlife.

Chilton said grassland birds are on an alarming decline in Manitoba, and certain areas are missing pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Information submitted by the public helps them understand the extent of these issues.

“These are the things that give us these indicators. As incredible as our science staff are, they can’t be everywhere, so this is a way for people to help pull together that information that tells the whole story,” she said.

Last year the organization received an estimated 60,000 photos submitted by about 4,000 people.

People who submit photos get a response from Canadian scientists who’ve properly identified the flora and fauna.

“One of the things people often feel is the pressure to identify what something is, but that pressure doesn’t exist. That’s where people come together,” she said.

As people start to submit more it starts tell the story about a particular area.

“I think Manitobans tend to be humble about where they live. People are often thinking about where they’re going for vacation, and what they’re doing, but I think the story that we’re telling is how special and diverse Manitoba is,” said Chilton.

The NCC was started in 1962 and is the country’s leading conservancy organization. It has contributed to the conservation of 200,000 square kilometres of land across the country — the equivalent of more than 31 million NHL hockey rinks.

More information is available on the NCC website.

tiago.resko@freepress.mb.ca