FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Become a community scientist and help protect Canada’s biodiversity
(August 20, 2021 – Williams Lake, BC)
The Canadian Council on Invasive Species (CCIS) is encouraging everyone across Canada to observe and report invasive species to help protect biodiversity in Canada.
Invasive species are an issue that affects us all. Observing and reporting all species across Canada, including invasive species, is critical to the protection of Canada’s biodiversity and observations will help the scientific community gather data to help safeguard the country’s natural spaces.
There are many observing and reporting tools across Canada. Most recently, the CCIS, with support from the Canadian Wildlife Federation created the “I Spy and Identify” project featured on the iNaturalist app/website. Whether you are an avid nature enthusiast or sidewalk stroller, join the ‘I Spy and Identify’ project and take a moment to observe and report the plants and animals you see. Data can be collected from backyards, greenspaces and natural areas across the country.
As a participant, you will be able to track your observations and even have a chance to win prizes. Every report helps scientists track and protect Canada’s biodiversity from unwanted impacts. To participate, visit www.reportcanadainvasives.ca and join the “I Spy and Identify” project. Known invasive species can also be reported to your provincial or territorial invasive species hotline or phone app.
‘The ‘I Spy and Identify’ project on the iNaturalist app/website allows anyone to participate and become part of a Canada-wide community learning about and protecting nature. Regardless of how you report, the more observations that are made, the better equipped we will be to take action against invasive species,” says Barry Gibbs, Executive Director, CCIS.
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About the Canadian Council on Invasive Species
The Canadian Council on Invasive Species is a non-profit organization that works collaboratively across jurisdictional boundaries to support actions and information that can help reduce the threat and impact of invasive species. Invasive species councils, committees, and coalitions representing provinces and territories across Canada established this federal society to work together to reduce the impact of invasive species across the country.
Media contact:
Barry Gibbs
execdirector@canadainvasives.ca
(403) 850-5977
