Painted turtles Danforth Marsh photo by S. Smith
Painted Turtles

A BioBlitz is described as a snapshot in time of the biota (plants and animals) observed over a 24-hour period. The prime objective is to conduct a biological survey by both experts and non-experts, who document the flora and fauna of the area from noon one day to noon the next. Our BioBlitz gives community members an opportunity to investigate and discover for themselves the natural value of the study area. 

We held our most recent BioBlitz at Macauley Mountain, Picton, on June 17-18, 2022. A full report on findings will follow later in the year.

PECFN organized the first BioBlitz in August 2014, stemming from the Environmental Review Tribunal for the Ostrander Point Crown Land Block. Through the review, it was evident there were gaps in critical information on our natural history. We realized we could make a valuable contribution by conducting biological surveys to provide that data, while at the same time engaging the public and showing them the importance and value of those areas and the species they protect. Since then, we have continued this event annually, in the month of June, in locations on the South Shore of the County.  

Because of COVID-19 restrictions, we were not able to conduct our annual BioBlitz in 2020 or 2021. For 2021, we adapted our BioBlitz to a one month (June 1 to 30) survey, to ensure that COVID-19 protocols were followed. Instead of a using a base camp for registration and meals, participants registered and downloaded maps and other information virtually, through a website.

For each BioBlitz, a digital report is produced, incorporating the results of the study, and is circulated to participants and local government agencies involved in natural history. These agencies are Quinte Conservation, Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry in Kingston, Natural Heritage Information Centre in Peterborough. We provide printed copies the landowners – Hastings–Prince Edward Land Trust and the Nature Conservancy of Canada – and to all County Libraries. 

As of 2021, we will include the Municipal Planning Department for Prince Edward County in the distribution.

BioBlitz Reports

You can view the reports for: