COCHRANE— The Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park is engaging in a citizen science project designed to collect data on the unique flora and fauna that call the ecosystem home.
The City Nature Challenge runs from April 30 to May 3. During the challenge, people are encouraged to take photos of all the animals and plants they encounter while visiting Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park, said Public Program and Visitor Services Coordinator for the Glenbow Ranch Park Foundation Jenna Szuch.
Participants will be able to upload photos they take during the event to the 2021 INaturalist Project app or inaturalist.org/projects/city-nature-challenge-2021 until May 9.
“We’re really excited to be a part of the challenge and we hope to get a lot of observations that weekend,” Szuch said.
Once the photos are uploaded, they are used for education and conservation, Szuch said.
“It’s quite difficult to protect the animals without knowing what’s there,” Szuch said. “The iNaturalist app and City Nature Challenge is fantastic for tracking invasive species, or locating species at risk.”
The City Nature Challenge includes 325 cities across the globe and Cochrane, Calgary, Okotoks, Airdrie and Chestermere are included in the City Nature Challenge Calgary area.
The challenge is the perfect event for nature lovers because it has a positive impact on the park and makes a difference in conservation.
The data gained during the challenge will be used by scientists to better understand the ecosystem of the area.
“The observations that you submit are having a positive impact,” Szuch said.
The Glenbow Ranch Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting and preserving the provincial park. This is done through education, collaboration and engagement, Szuch said, traits embodied by the City Nature Challenge.
Staff and volunteers will be on hand during the event to feature fun facts about the animals and plants who call the provincial park home, answer any questions and encourage guests to participate in the challenge.
“Whatever you can find, any plant, any animal, we’re encouraging people to take a picture,” Szuch said. “There’s really no wrong picture.”
The citizen science project is designed to showcase and explore the biodiversity found in the Calgary region.
“Every park user is a valuable scientist and together we can document the wildlife in and around the city,” Szuch said.
For those participating in the City Nature Challenge Szuch recommends taking the time to slow down and look around to appreciate nature while exploring the Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park.
“It’s quite remarkable what you see if you stand still in Glenbow or take a seat somewhere. You will be surprised at all the birds and the bugs that are back and the deer,” Szuch said. “It’s a wonderful place.”
Right now, is an exciting time because participants may be able to snap a picture of the Mountain Bluebird. The vivid blue birds typically visit the ranch in March, but this year they are just starting to arrive.
“It’s quite a treat if you see 50 or a hundred of them together,” Szuch said.
For more information on the Calgary City Nature Challenge visit citynatureyyc.ca.
