NCC: Land Lines – The Big Backyard BioBlitz 2024 was a smashing scientific success!
Big Backyard BioBlitz (Photo by Kontakt)
Thank you to the 8,600+ BioBlitzers across Canada who participated in the annual Big Backyard BioBlitz, sharing observations of amazing species from coast to coast to coast.
From August 1 to 5, participants shared over 47,000 observations of crawling, flying, walking creatures. They documented species from urban areas to forests, farms and oceans.
The information collected in the massive community science effort will help conservation experts take stock of biodiversity, track rare species and identify invasive ones.
The most observed species was monarch butterfly, which is also a species at risk.
From the eyes of a participant
Round-leaved orchid (Amerorchis Rotundifolia), Wagner Natural Area, AB -Mariam Qureshi
“Every year, I eagerly participate in the Backyard BioBlitz to explore the natural beauty in our backyards. This time, my quest to find the elusive wild orchids native to Alberta was successful after three years of effort and patience. After monitoring closely, I finally spotted the vibrant yellow flowers during a warm afternoon hike. Wild orchids are not just a visual delight; they play a crucial role in Alberta’s ecosystem, serving as indicators of a healthy environment and having cultural significance as well. By protecting these rare flowers, we are preserving a part of our natural heritage and ensuring that future generations can experience the same joy of discovering them in the wild.” – Mariam Qureshi, Alberta
“I really enjoyed my Bioblitz experience. I found a far higher number of species than expected, considering I was in an area that I am familiar with. It was helpful to have a reason to slow down and really look at each plant I was passing. What previously was a sea of green turned into an abundance of different species. I was also surprised at how many insects I was able to identify just by staying still in one spot near some flowers. I’ll definitely do this again!” – Lynn Miller, Ontario
“A great way to discover things that are right under your nose. Oh, the things you can see when you just take a minute to look.” – Chelsie Hirsch, Manitoba
Pacific lion’s mane jellyfish, BC-Aerin Jacob/NCC Staff
Bioblitz for research
“As a researcher, I know first-hand how powerful community science can be for conservation and people’s connection to nature. Information from the BioBlitz helps us to learn about where species live and how they’re doing across Canada — like this big Pacific lion’s mane jelly we saw near Vancouver Island.
This year, we recorded species seen on land and in the ocean, with help from a furry four-legged researcher. ”– Aerin Jacob, Nature Conservancy of Canada’s director of science and research
Don’t miss the fun in 2025!
The 2025 event will take place from July 31 to August 4. Sign up now and mark your calendar.
About the Author
NCC staff Since 1962, the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) has protected areas of natural diversity for their intrinsic value and for the benefit of our children and those after them. To this day, NCC continues to protect land and share stories of nature, wildlife, science and conservation.
