Appendix 1: News Release
What’s Really in Our Backyard?
May 28th Bio-Blitz will unlock the secrets
Just north of Kanata, it’s not unusual to encounter deer and fox or to hear
coyotes, owls and woodpeckers, but just what else is out there?
We will find out on May 28th, when scientists descend upon Carp to
participate in Bio-blitz 2011. Designed as part contest, part festival, part
educational event, and part scientific endeavour, a bio-blitz brings together
scientists in a race against time to see how many species they can find in a
24-hour period.
“Biodiversity” is usually heard in relation to rainforests with their vast
number of species. Yet the diversity of life in our own backyards is
phenomenal, and the Carp Hills and South March Highlands are believed to
be among the most biodiverse regions in Ottawa. What better way to study
this biodiversity than to invite people to share in the discovery and to
experience the vast array of species found in the Carp Hill and the South
March Highlands in just the cycle of one day?
Discover nature’s free services
One of the goals of a bio-blitz is to increase awareness of the variety of life
in the neighbourhood and the “free” services these various species provide
to improve the quality of our lives. The Carp Hills and South March
Highlands are working ecosystems filled with species that contribute to clean
water, fertile soil and clean air.
The City of Ottawa owns a significant amount of land in the Carp Hills and
the South March Highlands, and this land will be the focus of the bio-blitz. In
addition, a number of private landowners have granted permission for
scientists to study their land.
Come join in the fun
Besides the researcher’s field work, this unique event offers a variety of
educational and hands-on activities suitable for all ages. Admission is free.

Visit the Carp Agricultural Hall (3790 Carp Road, right next door to the
Farmers’ Market) to get up-close and personal with biodiversity in the
Carp Hills and South March Highlands.

Andrea Howard, aka The Bug Lady, will be a featured guest at the
Carp Hills Bio-Blitz. She will bring her large collection of mounted
insects, including beautiful, tropical butterflies, and regale visitors at
the Carp Fairgrounds with tales of adaptation and survival in Eastern
Appendix 1: News Release
Ontario. As The Bug Lady, Andrea has enchanted children and adults
alike at the Ottawa Ex, local fairs, and in schools throughout the
region. As the former education coordinator for the Eastern Ontario
Biodiversity Museum, Andrea developed the popular, curriculum-based
travelling science program, Museum in a Suitcase. She is a natural
storyteller with an amazing natural story to tell!

Discover the Mississippi Madawaska Land Trust Conservancy and how
it can work with you to preserve all or part of your lands for the long
term and the income tax benefits available from the Eco-gift program including exemptions from capital gains tax.

Almost every weekend, you can join one of the local field naturalist
clubs for an excursion to one of the many conservation areas in our
region. The clubs are a group of friendly people who share an interest
in, and respect for, the natural world. At the bio-blitz base camp you
can talk to members of our local clubs to see what trips they have
planned and share your interesting wildlife stories with them. Whether
it’s a bird, insect, plant or animal, you will learn more about it.

There are also a number of unique geological features to explore in the
Carp Hills. Displays will show some of the interesting features that
geologist are studying.

Bring your questions and pictures of unique wildlife and plants to share
with the experts.

Discover the impact of artificial light at night and how we can still use
light at night but minimize its effect on the environment.
All events will take place at the Carp Agricultural Hall, 3790 Carp Road.
Saturday, May 28th from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
For more information and times for specific activities, check out the website
at www.carphills.wordpress.com
This event is assisted by the Ottawa Stewardship Council, Canadian
Biodiversity Institute, Ottawa Field-Naturalists’ Club, Ottawa-Carleton
Wildlife Center, Mississippi Valley Field Naturalist, Macnamarra Field
Naturalists’ Club, the City of Ottawa and the Madawaska Land Trust.