Saturday June 27: First Annual Tiny Marsh BioBlitz

News release from MTM Conservation Association

The MTM Conservation Association is hosting the First Annual Tiny Marsh BioBlitz on Saturday June 27, 2015.

“This is a very exciting opportunity for newcomers to the world of nature to find out what’s going on, and for naturalists to experience the rich diversity of life at Tiny Marsh,” says environmental consultant Bob Bowles, one of 10 Tiny Marsh BioBlitz leaders.

A BioBlitz is a group search for as many species as possible (any species – birds, butterflies, reptiles, plants, mammals, etc.) within a defined area and time. BioBlitzes take place around the world. In Ontario, they are coordinated by the Royal Ontario Museum.

The Tiny Marsh BioBlitz runs from 6 am to 12 midnight on Saturday June 27. One- to 3-hour outings will depart the Nature Centre (500 Tiny-Flos Townline, north of Elmvale off County Road 6) at various times – see attached schedule. Participants can come out for just one outing, or several. There is a one-hour stroll for those who are less mobile, and a children’s outing in the afternoon. Registration is $10 a person, $25 for a family, and includes a t-shirt and lunch.

Bowles added: “You will come away from this exciting and informative day with a better understanding of natural biodiversity, a new respect for wetlands and an appreciation of how important they are for a healthy environment.”

Outings schedule

Saturday June 27 2015

All departures from the Nature Centre, 500 Tiny-Flos Townline, north of Elmvale off County Road 6.

1. 6:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.      The Early Morning Chorus, led by Chris Evans (Brereton Field Naturalists) and Ken MacDonald (Midland-Penetanguishene Field Naturalists). Birds, insects and plants

8:30 a.m. – Registration at Nature Centre for those who have not registered in advance (see below).

2. 9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m     The Morning Sunshine, led by environmental consultant Bob Bowles, Chris Evans, Ken MacDonald and Betty Bennett (Midland-Penetanguishene Field Naturalists). Birds, dragonflies, butterflies, plants and everything else!

3. 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.    The Short and Easy Stroll led by nature photographer Jennifer Howard and Lynn Short (Humber Arboretum interpreter). Birds and plants and more

Noon-1:00 pm. Lunch at the Nature Centre

4. 1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.    The Early Afternoon Walk led by Lynn Short, Betty Bennett. Birds, Plants, Butterflies and more

5. 1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.      The Children’s Walk led by Bob Bowles, Yvonne Metcalfe (the Insect Lady) and Harrison Briand (Turtle student). Insects, amphibians, reptiles and more

6. 4:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.      The Late Afternoon Walk led by Dave Mclachlin (Ducks Unlimited), Lynn Short and Yvonne Metcalfe.  (Birds, insects, amphibians, plants and more)

7. 7:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.      The Twilight Walk led by Jim Charlebois ((Midland-Penetanguishene Field Naturalists), and Yvonne Metcalfe. (Birds, Moths, Bats and denizens of the night)

8. 9:30 p.m. – midnight    The Midnight Prowl led by Jim Charlebois and Harrison Briand  (Night calls and mysterious movements).

Registration

Fee $10 per person, $25 per family of 5, $5 for each extra family member. More information at www.mtmconservation.org or call 705-322-2545.