Come Discover Marsh Creek’s Wild Side
Sept. 25 noon to Sept. 26 2pm
An opportunity for connection and collaboration with all those who care about nature.
Picton’s Marsh Creek will be part of the Canadian Wildlife Federation’s Great Canadian Bioblitz, September 25 and 26, as one of only five Bioblitz projects across Canada selected for funding. Organized by Prince Edward County Field Naturalists (PECFN) and Feral Folc in partnership with the South Shore Joint Initiative, Prince Edward Point Bird Observatory, Friends of Delhi Park, VTLA Studio and Trees for PEC.
What’s a ‘Bioblitz’?
A ‘bioblitz’ is a 24-hour event that invites residents, visitors, naturalists and nature lovers of all ages and experience levels to work collectively as community scientists to observe and document the remarkable biodiversity of a specific place using the iNaturalist app.
Anyone can participate and all observations documented will contribute to a better understanding of overall ecosystem health while supporting one of Canada’s largest community science initiatives. This collaboration and recording of local plants, animals, insects, fungi and more is intended to build local knowledge, strengthen relationships and lay the groundwork for ongoing community stewardship and ecological monitoring along Marsh Creek.
The Bioblitz is FREE to attend and will offer iNaturalist training, informative learning materials about local wildlife, drop-in exploration and activities for all ages, as well as scheduled walks, workshops and conversations on specific themes and species. No previous experience necessary, just curiosity and a willingness to slow down and look a little closer.
Your goal for participation – to record as many different species of flora, funga and fauna you can find over the course of 24 hours spent exploring outdoors!
Where?
The Marsh Creek Community Bioblitz iNaturalist project study area follows Marsh Creek from Glenwood Cemetery, through Delhi Park, to Picton Bay. Already, the iNat project has 84 observers who have contributed 381 observations representing 191 species. This beloved green space in the heart of Picton is home to wetlands, a creek, meadow and mature tree canopy, all providing essential habitat and an ecological corridor for wildlife.
Our base camp will be located in Delhi Park, at 7 Lalor Street, Picton.
Program Schedule
Our event organizers and volunteers will be on-site Friday 11:30am to 9pm and Saturday 7:30am to 2pm to welcome you, offer support with iNaturalist, and share information, resources, and expertise.
Friday, September 25
Get support with setting up your iNaturalist account and ready to kick off the Bioblitz.
Welcoming remarks from organizers, land acknowledgement, gratitudes and key information about the event.
Wildhearts PEC Forest School
Start the day slow and noticing with a sit spot lead by forest school students.
Workshop with Bay Woodyard, Honey Pie Hives & Herbals,
and Christina Zeidler, Artist
Tent Talk with Ramesh Pooran and Steve Burr from the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada
Tent Talk on the County’s Natural Core Areas with Amy Bodman, PEC Field Naturalists
Tent Talk & Nature Walk on invasive species with Dan Butler, Quinte Conservation
Nature Walk on tree identification with Jennifer Gagné, Nature Conservancy of Canada
Tent Talk with Liz Driver, PEC Heritage Conservancy, on Marsh Creek’s history
Nature Walk on butterflies and dragonflies with Joanne Dewey, PEC Field Naturalist
Nature walk on wildflowers with Becky Lamb, Feral Folc
Tent Talk & Workshop with Vi Woo, Artist & Advocate
Evening Nature Walk on bird and bat identification with Cheryl Anderson, South Shore Joint Initiative
Tent Talk on moths with Jenna Empey, VVitch Farm
Saturday, September 26
Get support with setting up your iNaturalist account and ready to kick off day two of the Bioblitz.
Bird Walk with Paul Jones, Wildlife Photographer
Sit-Spot with Becky Lamb, Feral Folc
with Phil Mercier, Prince Edward Point Bird Observatory
Nature Walk on Lichen identification with Heather Coffey, Fiddlehead Farm
Family Fun Workshop with Cheryl Chapman, South Shore Joint Initiative
Nature walk on butterflies and dragonflies with David Bree, PEC Field Naturalist
Workshop with Corina Brdar, Artist & Conservationist
Tent Talk with Liz Driver, PEC Heritage Conservancy, on Marsh Creek’s history
Nature Walk on Fungi identification with Jean McDonald, County Fungi
Nature Walk on Spider identification with Macartney Mulridge, @SpidersInTheCounty
Tent Talk with Dr. Kiera Brant-Birioukov, Ridge Road Training
“This isn’t just about species identification. It’s also an opportunity to learn about the historical and cultural relationships with the Marsh Creek valley landscape and the waters connecting what is now known as Picton Bay and East Lake, on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas, Huron-Wendat and Haudenosaunee Peoples.”
– Becky Lamb, Feral Folc
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, the event is FREE for everyone to enjoy!
Yes, there will be free on-site parking available at 7 Lalor Street on a first come first served basis.
Yes, there will be two portable washrooms on-site.
The event is rain or shine. It will only be cancelled if there is extreme weather
We recommend closed-toe shoes, sun protection, and long pants with socks for ticks.
If the forecast calls for rain, plan accordingly.
There are a couple, but if you’re reasonably careful you’ll be okay.
To avoid slipping or falling, look out for uneven conditions and steep slopes, particularly on the banks of Marsh Creek.
Unfortunately, Wild Parsnip is found along the banks of Marsh Creek and in Delhi Park too, as well as Poison Ivy Photos to help you identify them will be at Base Camp, so be sure to commit them to memory.
And you may already know that Delhi Park is located over a former landfill. You’re unlikely to find exposed waste or leachate, but keep it in mind.
It’s very unlikely that you’ll see sharps (used needles), but if you do, please alert a volunteer at Base Camp.
Yes! Feel free to bring your own reusable water bottle and snacks, if you’d like.
We do recommend downloading the iNaturalist and eBird apps at home prior to the event. If you have difficulty with this, our volunteers will be happy to assist you.
You can definitely bring your favourite field guide. We’ll also have some handy, along with other resources to share.
We’ll be issuing a full report on the species observed which will be made available here in early October.
iNaturalist observations along Marsh Creek will continue to be recorded in the Marsh Creek & Delhi Park iNaturalist project
Join the nationwide effort to record biodiversity from coast to coast to coast.
Registering for the Bioblitz helps us anticipate the number of attendees and allows us to update you on potential weather cancellations as well as sharing the final report. It’s recommended but not required.
Contact us
If you require accessibility support or have any questions, email us at: feralfolc@gmail.com
“Reconciliation between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Canadians, from an Aboriginal perspective, also requires reconciliation with the natural world.”
– Honouring the Truth, Reconciling for the Future, Summary of the Final Report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, 2015
