Good to Know

Nature Reserve Bioblitz in Caledon East

Simmons Nature Preserve
Written by Patti Foley

The Escarpment Biosphere Conservancy (EBC) is a land trust. EBC is working to protect the natural landscape in Southern Ontario – particularly in the area of the Niagara Escarpment – and the rare species and habitats that exist in this area. All together, EBC has protected over 155 properties on over 12,500 acres of land since 1997.

This spring, EBC launched the Preserving Biodiversity Series to celebrate 20 years of conservation! This series of events promotes biodiversity and the important role of land stewardship in its protection. The series started off with two workshops on species at risk and invasive species identification, control and monitoring. The series will continue with a bioblitz on June 10th in Caledon East! The bioblitz will take place at our Simmons Nature Reserve in Caledon East, on the west side of Airport Road, north of Walker Road West. Ivor Simmons donated the funding to secure this 52-acre reserve with a wide variety of habitats.

A bioblitz is an intensive biological inventory wherein participants survey an area and identify as many things as possible! Members of the public are encouraged to attend these events to better understand the diversity of life that occurs in their backyards. We will have experts join us to help identify flora and fauna and conduct an intensive survey in the morning.

In the afternoon, we will host a guided blitz which will be open to the public. Participants will get the opportunity to explore our Simmons Nature Reserves and hike the new trail we created around the perimeter of the property. Experts will bring you to the most exciting areas of the property and be sure to show you any rare observations. This will also be your chance to explore the site and make discoveries of your own!

If you are well versed in a particular species group, we need your help! Register as an expert and help identify flora and fauna on this nature reserve. Experts are required to help out with the blitz from 8:00 am to 11:00 am.  

Are you interested in joining us on the guided blitz to learn more about the flora and fauna on the nature reserve? Register for the guided blitz which will run from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm.  

We will meet at the trail entrance at the end of Putney Road, depending on which part of the day you would like to participate in, you can meet us here at either 8:00 am or 11:30 am.

Please register online so we can keep track of who will be joining us! We will send you updates about the event as they are confirmed. Contact us by phone (416-960-8121) or email (rbarnett@escarpment.ca) for more information.

 

About the author

Patti Foley

Having spent 25 years in Bolton, Patti remains an advocate for Caledon. As a former Regional Councillor and a long-time community volunteer she is passionate about communicating information about its issues, news, events, people, non-profits and businesses.

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