Victoria, BC – The CRD is celebrating the International Day for Biological Diversity this weekend with a virtual, family-friendly Biodiversity Challenge running from May 21 to 24.
Residents are encouraged to get outside, snap photos and upload observations about the plants, animals and fungi found in their backyards or local watersheds to the CRD Biodiversity Challenge iNaturalist project. Participants have a chance to win one of six amazing prizes—including a consultation with Saanich Native Plants to help you naturalize your yard or garden, a smartphone macro camera lens and native plant identification guides.
iNaturalist is free and simple to use. The app connects nature lovers to each other and provides a platform to document species observations, seek help identifying species and contribute to data that supports local and global citizen science projects. The CRD’s Biodiversity Challenge will consolidate all observations made on iNaturalist throughout the long weekend and create a dashboard of the flora and fauna found within the region.
The CRD’s Biodiversity Challenge encourages people to explore and appreciate the diversity of species and ecosystems that can be found across the capital region. Observing and learning about the natural world around us is a key step in conserving nature for future generations and creates opportunities for both stewardship activities and positive environmental impacts.
Biodiversity is essential to the health and function of ecosystems. The more biodiversity, the more resilient ecosystems will be to changing conditions like climate change. Maintaining a diverse natural environment also helps provide clean air and water, food security, recreational and cultural opportunities, and is key to the health and wellness of our community.
For more information about biodiversity in the region and the CRD Biodiversity Challenge, including details about prizes and resources to get started, visit www.crd.bc.ca/biodiversity.
Proud to be recognized as one of BC’s Top Employers and Canada’s Greenest Employers, the CRD delivers regional, sub-regional and local services to 13 municipalities and three electoral areas on southern Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. Governed by a 24-member Board of Directors, the CRD works collaboratively with First Nations and all levels of government to enable sustainable growth, foster community well-being, and develop cost-effective infrastructure while continuing to provide core services to residents throughout the region. Visit us online at www.crd.bc.ca.
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For media inquiries, please contact:
Melanie Tromp Hoover, Communications Supervisor
CRD Environmental Services
Tel: 250.360.3287
Cell: 250.818.1489