The Ellis Nature Centre outside of Lacombe is inviting visitors to take part in a new hands-on project designed to track pollinators in the area.
The initiative, called “Buzzing Biodiversity”, asks community members to become citizen scientists by recording the types of pollinators spotted in the centre’s water garden and newly developed pollinator garden.
Visitors can participate by picking up a pamphlet and data sheet, then using a “counting square” to observe and record insects for 15 minutes.
Any photos taken are uploaded to iNaturalist, where experts help identify the species.
“Projects like this give people a chance to directly connect with nature while also contributing to real scientific research,” says the centre.
The program was made possible thanks to funding support from TD Friends of the Environment, which provided equipment for the project.
For more information, visitors can ask about "Buzzing Biodiversity" during their next trip to the Ellis Nature Centre.
**With information from Ellis Nature Centre
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