Public invited to “BioBlitz” inventory of Ostrander Point

The Prince Edward County Field Naturalists are hosting the county’s first ever BioBlitz at Ostrander Point.

The 24-hour event from noon Saturday Aug. 9 to noon Sunday Aug. 10 includes guided tours for the public focusing on how to identify a variety of species from plants to birds, insects and amphibians and reptiles.

Ostrander Point is located within the South Shore Important Bird Area, a site recognized globally for its importance to birds and biodiversity.

“Much of the biodiversity of the South Shore Important Bird Area has not been identified” said Myrna Wood of the Prince Edward County Field Naturalists club.  “Ostrander Point was the subject of an Environmental Review Tribunal hearing during which it became clear that we still have a lot to discover about the flora and fauna of the site. We hope this BioBlitz will help us uncover mysteries of who is living here as well as introduce the public to this unique site. Ostrander Point really is a gem that we have in the County, and it needs to be better understood.”

Dr. Paul Catling, a research scientist with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, notes major benefits of the event include helping children and adults to better understand the natural world and the gathering information on the natural resources of the area.

“More complete information will place the government of Ontario in a better position to manage this very special area of Crown Land. At the present time biological information is incomplete,” he said.

Dr. Catling, an acknowledged expert on the geography of Alvar ecosystems, testified at the Ostrander Point Environmental Review Tribunal in March 2013. After his initial one hour presentation, he endured approximately 15 hours of cross examination by the Ministry of the Environment and Gilead Power lawyers.

At the BioBlitz, Catling joins nine naturalists and two other experts who testified at the Environmental Review Tribunal.

“Bioblitz events have been very successful around the world, but this is the first in Prince Edward County. They are an unusual opportunity for scientists and the public to get together to reach a common goal.”

Wood and other naturalist experts are aiming to identify as many species as possible in the 24 hour period. The Ostrander Point BioBlitz is being held with the support of the Prince Edward Point Bird Observatory and Nature Canada. For more information  visit saveostranderpoint.org