August 2014 – August 2015

The OFNC’s Conservation Committee has launched an ambitious new initiative at Constance Bay: the first in a series of planned annual “Biothons” at significant natural areas in the Ottawa region.

The goal

The goal of the Biothon is to acquire a thorough biological inventory, while promoting active nature exploration and appreciation by both experienced and prospective naturalists.

Many important questions about conservation can only be addressed if a solid baseline dataset is available. We will be building such a dataset over the next year at Constance Bay.

In contrast to the typical 24-hour “bioblitz,” the study period covers a whole year. Thus, there will be ample opportunity to observe organisms only conspicuous or present at the site during brief periods throughout the year.

Both experts (professionals, serious amateurs) and budding experts (nature lovers, members of Constance Bay community, others interested) are encouraged to participate.

Events and excursions

The official launch for the Biothon was on 23 and 24 August 2014, hosted by OFNC Conservation Chair Owen Clarkin and community member Hank Jones. Both days included a short orientation session followed by a hike on the trail behind the community centre to put into practice the information presented in the introduction.

To find out how to contribute your expertise, please contact OFNC’s

Owen Clarkin

Data management

Data management will be handled by the OFNC Conservation Committee. Over the next year, we will set up a permanent IT solution for submission of data and the database itself. In the meantime, the Conservation Committee Chair (Owen Clarkin) will serve as a portal for data submission; contact him at owen.j.clarkin@gmail.com to submit notes and data.

The data will be publicly available, and subject to a review process to ensure quality of records. Participants submitting data will get full credit for their data. Besides aiding in practical conservation, it is the intention of the Conservation Committee that this data be used for academic publications.