BioBlitz 2025

BY PAMELA WALKER

I was chuffed last year when it was reported that the Yellow Point Ecological Society’s annual BioBlitz had garnered so much interest. During its four days duration, local enthusiasts recorded more than 2000 observations and identified more than 600 different species, using the iNaturalist app.

But, of course, this year, we want even more! More citizen scientists. More photos. More observations. More peerreviewed identifications. More fun.

To get more of everything, we are upping the volume. We have invited a number of riveting experts to offer a day, April 26, Day 2 of the BioBlitz, we have planned a walk on the Holland Creek Trail. Although some of the top trail has been decimated by development and invasive species, much that is precious remains. Join a biologist to find out the interesting, rare and red-listed species are to be found here.

You might even find a sharp-tailed snake. Although one has not been recorded in this area, I know someone who knows someone who has seen one. This tiny, indigenous but endangered creature looks more like a big worm than a snake. It would be great if we could put ourselves on the map for this alone. Another rare species that might be here is the three-leaved foamflower. It’s been found at Victoria Airport and in Powell River. It must be here too. But where? And what if you were the one to find a Vancouver Island beggartick? This rare but oddly named yellow flower grows in silty loam soil in boggy areas.

Oyster Bay: Also at 10 a.m., on Saturday, April 26, the tide will be low enough to see creatures that exist nowhere else in Canada but here, in the bay, by the Kiwi Cove Lodge. What is it about this environment that sustains them? An expert in marine biology will join us to point them out and explain this phenomenon.

Cable Bay: At 10 a.m. on Sunday, April 27, Day 3 of the BioBlitz, you are invited to walk the threatened, sensitive areas of the lands that have been called “the gem of Nanaimo.” A plant expert and an owl specialist will be your guides.

What is the latest in the debate between the City of Nanaimo, the developers and members of the Save Cable Bay committee? Will the western side of the trail really be turned into an industrial park and the eastern side into a subdivision? The guides will be able to answer all your questions, about both the politics and the plants. They will also be able to show you why it is such a special place, and why it deserves to be saved. And, if any endangered or red-listed species are found and documented using the iNaturalist app, it may stall or stop the development plans.

What are we looking for? Evidence of the federally protected pileated woodpecker, such as its nest. This could protect the tree for a period of three years after it has been vacated! A burrowing owl would also be cool to hear. Brought back from near extinction, there are still only about 1,000 pairs in the whole of Canada. Recording their song would be wild, indeed. For details on the BioBlitz and walks, call 250-245-9155. I hope to see you (or code name) in the iNaturalist page for the 2025 Yellow Point BioBlitz. See bit.ly/YESBioBlitz2025.