Let’s identify all kinds of plants and animals – it’s active exploration and learning.  We’ll wander through the park and learn how to use field guides and iNaturalist to identify and document the species we find.  Plants will be our main focus since they stay still while you take pictures, but we’ll also dabble with insects and other life – open exploration is the focus.

The PFN Juniors segment is part of a broader BioBlitz at the park coordinated by GreenUp.  Anyone is welcome to join other parts of the blitz too, which are targeted toward specific groups of animals and plants with expert guides.

PFN JUNIORS HOST: Jay Fitzsimmons

WHAT TO BRING:

• Tablet/phone with iNaturalist app installed (recommended but not required). Available for free for Android and iOS devices – see below for more info on the app.
• Jay will bring several field guides for identifying plants and insects, but you’re welcome to bring others.

ABOUT iNATURALIST:

A free app and website, iNaturalist is where anyone can submit observations of any species, anywhere.  The app automatically tags your photo with the date and location, and suggests what the species might be using its magical algorithms (it’s surprisingly accurate).  Join the Kawartha Heights Park BioBlitz project for this blitz, where you can see what people are finding.

ABOUT THE BIOBLITZ:

BioBlitzes are where experts and curious people come together to identify all the species they can in one day.  It’s a great way to learn about different species in Peterborough, it contributes data for biodiversity monitoring, and it’s fun.