BioBlitz

About

BioBlitz is a 24-hour race against the clock to count as many species as possible––mammals, birds, plants, frogs, fish, bugs––you name it. A BioBlitz introduces people to real (and fun) science and the amazing diversity surrounding us. The concept of BioBlitz was created by Harvard biodiversity icon E.O. Wilson to raise awareness of the huge diversity of animals and plants, even in developed areas. Since its creation, annual BioBlitzes have spread throughout North America. The Whistler Naturalists are proud to have presented the first BioBlitz here in 2007.

One quote from a BioBlitz participant and mother summarizes the spirit of the event:

“If I had attended an event like this when I was his age,” pointing to her four year-old son who was busily sorting moths in one of the entomologist’s pans, “I probably would have become a scientist. I just never knew that anything like this existed.”

Species Found

The BioBlitz targets alpine and valley ecosystems across Whistler. Results from the BioBlitz will contribute to the Whistler Biodiversity Project, a multi-year, multi-group effort to catalogue and protect our native biodiversity.

Each year between 50 and 100 species are added from our annual BioBlitz and Fungus Among Us events to the Whistler list. The grand total is now approaching 5,000 species and continues to be updated each year. Find the most recent list in the Whistler Species Summary here.

Download the latest Whistler Species Summary below:

Past Events

2024

This year marks the Whistler Naturalists’ 18th annual BioBlitz event that celebrates biodiversity through education and scientific research. Our focus was on slime moulds this year, which are fascinating organisms that we don’t know much about in B.C.

2023

This year marked the 17th annual BioBlitz event that celebrates biodiversity through education and scientific research. We put on an event in June that focused on education and a July event that focused on collecting scientific data.

2022

The Whistler Naturalists would like to thank everyone who made our 16th annual BioBlitz a success—an event to highlight and research the rich biodiversity in our area. The 2022 BioBlitz included both a June event that focused on schools and alpine surveys that happened at the end of July.

2021

The Whistler Naturalists would like to thank everyone who made our 15th annual BioBlitz a success—an event to highlight and research the rich biodiversity in our area. First, to the quality and quantity of over 25 scientists and volunteers, some of who are the best in B.C. in their field.

2020

The Whistler Naturalists would like to thank everyone who made our 14th annual BioBlitz a success—an event to highlight and research the rich biodiversity in our area. First, to the quality and quantity of over 20 scientists and volunteers, some of who are the best in B.C. in their field.

2019

The Whistler Naturalists would like to thank everyone who made our 13th annual BioBlitz a success—an event to highlight and research the rich biodiversity in our area. First, to the quality and quantity of over 60 scientists and volunteers, some of who are the best in B.C. in their field.

2018

The Whistler Naturalists’ 12th annual BioBlitz was a success June 7-10 thanks to our hardy scientists who persevered through Junuary weather. We were so pleased to host over 70 local and visiting scientists whose combined caliber continues to amaze us.

2017

The Whistler Naturalists' 11th annual (and Canada's longest-running) BioBlitz was a huge success, thanks to the quality and quantity of over 70 scientists and volunteers.

2016

The Whistler Naturalists' 10th annual (and Canada's longest-running) BioBlitz was a huge success, thanks to the quality and quantity of over 70 scientists and volunteers.

2015

The Whistler Naturalists’ 9th annual Whistler BioBlitz: Sea-to-Sky Edition was a huge success, thanks to the great weather and the quality and quantity of over 90 scientists and volunteers.

2014

The Whistler Naturalists’ 8th annual Whistler BioBlitz was a huge success, thanks to the great weather and the quality and quantity of scientists and volunteers. This year’s BioBlitz attracted 65 of BC’s top scientists and nature educators!

2013

The 7th annual Whistler BioBlitz at Alpha Lake Park was a huge success, thanks to the great weather and the quality and quantity of scientists. This year’s BioBlitz attracted 65 of BC’s top scientists and nature educators!