Fall Sunday Funday - Lord of the Rings Themed iNaturalist Nature Walk

Have you ever gone for a walk in the park and saw a pretty flower or cool bug and you wondered what it is? Join the BLPA for a Lord of the Rings themed guided nature walk using the app and get to know that nature around you!

Go on an adventure around Middle Earth to identify your allies and enemies hiding in the land by using iNaturalist. Learn how to use the app and Tolkien's love for trees in his stories.

Costume dress up encouraged!

• It is one of the world’s most popular nature apps
• It helps you identify the plants and animals around you.
• It connects you to a community of over a million citizen scientists and naturalists who can help you learn more about nature!
• By recording and sharing your observations, you’ll create research quality data for scientists working to better understand and protect nature.

Your BLPA Guide will review how to make an observation using the app and offer tips and tricks to get the best identification for your nature encounters and keep track of them.

After the introduction, we will go out into the park so you can use the app right away.

In order to be most efficient, PLEASE

• DOWNLOAD the iNaturalist app to the device you will take to the park AND
• CREATE AN ACCOUNT ahead of time.

There is no wi-fi at the park and depending on how your device is set up, you may need your Apple ID or Android Galaxy Store ID. While iNaturalist will be our focus for this event, you can also download the Merlin app to help you with bird ID. This is optional.

Step 1: Download the iNaturalist app

• Android app on Google Play
• iPhone app in the Apple App Store

Step 2: Create an account on the app or computer

• Website for signing up from your computer
• Video to help you sign up with iNaturalist

Step 3: Explore the app and if you are keen, upload an observation

• BLPA iNaturalist resource page has a video on how to make an observation.

What to bring checklist:

• A phone or tablet or camera to take pictures at the park in a weather resistant case
• The app downloaded and an iNaturalist account made
• Please check the forecast and dress for the weather to ensure your comfort and safety. so you are safe. Dress in layers. A sun or rain hat will keep your hands free. Sturdy (and waterproof depending on the season) trail walking footwear.
• Ensure you have your Medic*tion if you have allergies If sunny, wear a comfortable hat, coverup, sunscreen, bug spray, etc.

We welcome everyone, including people with disabilities, people who are Black, Indigenous or People of Color (BIPOC), and people who are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual (LGBTQIA+). We’ll be using Burnaby Lake Regional Park

LOCATION:

We will be meeting in front of the Burnaby Lake Nature House towards the trail to Piper Spit. Look for the BLPA tent or flag. If you are using GPS for directions, enter 4519 Piper Avenue.

We’ll be using Burnaby Lake Regional Park trails which are accessible to wheelchair-users, people who use mobility aids, or child strollers.

Please take note that if the weather is nice, the parking lot can be very busy. You may need to park along Piper Avenue or at Warner Loat Park right off of Winston which is a 450 m/5 minute walk to the Nature House. There is also a doublt train tracks crossing which may be blocked from time to time.

*Construction notice* - Please take note that there is construction along Winston Street which includes single lane traffic that may add an additional 5 minutes to your trip. Details for the Winston Street Sewer project can be found here.

We look forward to seeing you! Space is limited. If you are no longer able to make it, we ask that you cancel your ticket so that someone else may attend.

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Host or Publisher Burnaby Lake Park Association