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. The 2021 BioBlitz included both a June schools event and the alpine surveys that happened last week.

 

In June, scientists gave virtual presentations to classes at Spring Creek, Myrtle Philip and Whistler Secondary, with recordings being shared among classes. Thanks to the students for some great questions! We also hosted a virtual event presented by eminent forest ecologist Rachel Holt. Her talk on “Old Growth Forests & Forestry in BC” is available for viewing at whistlernaturalists.ca/lecture-series.

 

Last week’s science component focused on alpine biodiversity when we surveyed Brandywine Meadows and Whistler Mountain. We were fortunate to be joined by 30 of BC’s best scientists who applied their expertise to (among other groups) the insects, spiders, vascular plants, mosses, birds, mammals, amphibians, and fungi. Thanks also to all volunteers who helped with logistics.

 

Results from this year’s surveys are being collated and will be added to the Whistler Biodiversity Project list available on our website (now nearing 5,000 species documented in the Whistler area). One early highlight was the first record in our area of rare dragonfly, Blue Dasher. This is the second year in a row that BioBlitz scientists Mike and Sharon Toochin have found a new, rare dragonfly species in Whistler!

 

Finally, we could not have run any of our BioBlitz events without generous and ongoing support from the Whistler Community Foundation with AWARE as our charitable sponsor and the RMOW. Also huge thanks to Whistler Blackcomb, Creekside Market, Legends Hotel, Avalanche Pizza, Whistler Cooks, Fresh St. Market, Whistler Museum and Whistler Library.