MTRI Winter SWNS BioBlitz and March Break Day

Mersey Tobeatic Research Institute
Mersey Tobeatic Research Institute

 

Kespukwitk (Southwest NS) Winter BioBlitz, Feb 12-Feb 25, 2024
Kespukwitk (Southwest NS) Winter BioBlitz, Feb 12-Feb 25, 2024

Join us for the Kespukwitk (Southwest NS) 4th Annual Winter BioBlitz, kicking off on Monday, Feb. 12, and running through Sunday, Feb. 25! Explore the beauty of Southwest NS by participating in this 2-week event on iNaturalist, a free wildlife and community science app.

To join, simply log onto iNaturalist and start making observations in Kespukwitk. Your wildlife sightings contribute to conservation projects and wildlife research around the region and globe. It’s easy, it’s free and fun, and it makes a difference!

During the BioBlitz, we’ll host guided nature walks and exciting events across the region (stay tuned for details) where you can immerse yourself in the rich biodiversity that surrounds us and get inspired. Plus, there are fantastic prizes up for grabs! Participate for a chance to win wildlife guides, cards, swag, and outdoor gear to enhance your next adventure. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to chad.simmons@merseytobeatic.ca. Thank you to the TD Friends of the Environment Foundation for making this event possible and supporting our work.

Follow the Competition

 

MTRI Field Guide Walks, Feb 2024
MTRI Field Guide Walks, Feb 2024

Come on out and get to know the wildlife of Nova Scotia a little better on one, or all, of our free events! Registration is required and please keep an eye on your email for weather cancellations and to confirm registration, spots are limited. Families are welcome.

Lichen Walk – Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024 from 1-3 p.m.

Uncover the mysteries of the Acacia Valley trail and join us on a guided walk through the ancient kingdom of lichens! Lichens, often overlooked, are among the first organisms to thrive on land, and Nova Scotia boasts hundreds of species. With lichen specialist Cole Vail and MTRI Ecologist, Chad Simmons, we’ll explore the beautiful 4 km Acacia Valley trail near Digby from 1 – 3 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024

Come along and discover lichens, the challenges they face, and gain identification tips while enjoying the breathtaking scenery. Don’t forget to bring weather-appropriate clothing, footwear, water, and snacks. Cameras or smartphones are encouraged to capture the fascinating lichens we encounter. Learn more about the Acacia Valley Trail: http://www.digbytrails.ca/acacia-valley.html

Wilderness Navigation  – Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024 from 10 – 12 p.m.

Embark on this journey into the heart of winter’s embrace with our Wilderness Navigation workshop. Our workshop will be led by Colin Gray, a seasoned wilderness expert and Ecologist at MTRI. Participants will learn essential navigation skills focusing on the use of maps and compasses. Whether you’re an avid hiker, a backcountry skier, or simply someone who enjoys winter walks, this hands-on session will enhance your ability to explore the wilderness more safely. Maps and compasses will be provided but feel free to bring your own. Please note, that this is not a certification course, just an introduction to foundational skills. This event will take place at MTRI’s field station at 9 Mt Merritt Rd, Caledonia. We will have hot beverages but participants should bring their own lunch.

Winter Flora – Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024 from 12:30 – 2:30 p.m.

Delve into the enchanting world of winter plant life with MTRI’s Ecologists Chad Simmons and Colin Gray. Uncover the secrets of resilient flora that thrive in the harshest of conditions. Learn to identify plants based on their winter appearance, understand their unique adaptations, and discover the hidden beauty that lies beneath the snow. This segment will provide a fascinating glimpse into the quiet, yet vibrant, life that persists in the winter wilderness. This event will take place at MTRI’s field station at 9 Mt Merritt Rd, Caledonia.

Register

 

MTRI March Break Day Saturday March 9, 2024
MTRI March Break Day Saturday March 9, 2024

Save the date for MTRI’s annual March Break Day happening this year on Saturday, March 9 at our Field Station! We will have a fun, family focused day with hands on wildlife education and activities for all ages. Stay tuned for more details closer to the day.

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The Mersey Tobeatic Research Institute
9 Mount Merritt Road
Kempt, Nova Scotia B0T 1B0
Canada