Media Release

For Immediate Release

May 21, 2009

New wilderness area goes under microscope June 5-6

One of Nova Scotia’s newest wilderness area will be placed under a microscope June 5 and 6 as the 2009 Saint Mary’s University BioBlitz targets the Blue Mountain-Birch Cove Lakes Wilderness Area.

The 1,350 hectare area was officially designated as a protected wilderness area on April 21. It includes forests and barrens and a system of interconnected lakes, streams, and wetlands. The BioBlitz, a 24-hour taxonomy survey, will provide a baseline biodiversity snapshot of the area.

More than 80 scientists from several universities across Atlantic Canada will survey the biological diversity of the area. Teams of scientists will begin the survey at 3 p.m. on June 5 and will work through the night identifying, photographing and collecting species from three different zones in the wilderness area.

The scientists will bring their discoveries to a base camp at the Lebanese Cultural Centre and Maskwa Aquatic Club (located off Kearney Lake Road approximately 10 km from downtown Halifax) and the public is invited to come see the discoveries.

From 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Saturday, the base camp will open to allow the public to explore the wonders of biodiversity in our community. Citizen scientists of all ages can ask the scientists about their discoveries, take guided walks through the wilderness area and participate in interactive displays throughout the day. At 3 p.m., there will be a closing ceremonies and the final tally of species identified will be announced. Admission for this event is free.

Get a head start on BioBlitz

For those who want to get a head start on the BioBlitz experience, the public is also invited to attend a special lecture on Friday, June 5 at the Cornerstone Wesleyan Church (1215 Hammonds Plains Road).

Dr. Hugh Broders, a biology professor at Saint Mary’s will be at the church to talk about the interesting life history and unique social ecology of Nova Scotian bats. His presentation begins at 7 p.m.

Afterward, members of CPAWS and the Nova Scotia Department of Environment will be on hand to talk about Blue Mountain-Birch Cove Lakes. Their presentation will highlight the features of the newly appointed wilderness area located just minutes from downtown Halifax. They will also talk about the steps taken to achieve the protected designation of the area.

The 2009 BioBlitz is designed to increase the communities’ awareness of the scientific importance of biodiversity in our immediate neighbourhood and the valuable services that various animal and plant species provide to improve the quality of our lives.

For more information about the Saint Mary’s University BioBlitz, please visit: www.smu.ca/bioblitz/

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For More Information:

Blake Patterson
Public Affairs Officer
Saint Mary's University, Public Affairs
(902) 420.5514
E-mail: blake.patterson@smu.ca
www.smu.ca

Raymond Plourde

Wilderness Coordinator

Ecology Action Centre

Office: (902) 442-5008

Cell: (902) 478-5400

E-mail: rplourde@accesswave.ca