Guelph: Invasive Phragmites BioBlitz Survey

WHY?

This is a continuation of Freshwater Conservation Canada's work to restore and protect freshwater habitats within the Guelph region. This community BioBlitz event aims to identify, locate and map the invasive subspecies of Phragmites australis, or European Common Reed. This invasive species grows aggressively across North America, outcompeting our native species and taking control of critical wildlife habitat. Its spread is vast, and knowing where it's located is half the battle, so by participating in this BioBlitz event, you are contributing to its management.

WHEN?

The volunteer event will take place on August 8th, from 9:00am to 1:30pm. Volunteers are welcome to leave earlier if needed. Lunch will be offered at the end.

WHAT WILL YOU BE DOING

Note: Past experience with identifying phragmites is not required; everyone is welcome to participate in this event.

In teams of 2-3, volunteers will drive around the Speed River Subwatershed scouting for patches of phragmites along the road's edge. Quadrants and routes are predetermined. As teams are driving and a phrag patch is spotted, they will pull over to photograph and record it, following our safety protocol, only if conditions allow. Patches will be recorded via iNaturalist; volunteers should download the app in advance. There is an iNat project for this event that we will be asking volunteers to join.

Teams are important so the driver isn't distracted. Unless you're signing up with friends, this could mean you are completing this event alongside someone you do not know beforehand, are in a vehicle with them, etc.

If you are signing up with friends and want to complete the event with them, you can include their names when you sign up. We ask that everyone sign up separately, either as a driver or a non-driving volunteer.

Note: In addition to lunch afterwards, gas cards will be available to drivers.

WHERE?

All volunteers will meet at the Guelph FCC office at 100 Stone Road West, Guelph, ON N1G-5L3 where FCC staff will ensure everyone is signed in, do a safety briefing and go over identification tips, as well as driving and iNat recording procedures. There will be physical resources/guides to bring with you. After that, teams will break off! At the end of the day, teams will return to the office and have the opportunity to eat lunch with the rest of the volunteers.

WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?

All tools and resources will be provided by Freshwater Conservation Canada. Please dress appropriately for fieldwork and the weather. Safety vests, clipboards and pylons will be provided, but volunteers are welcome to bring their own. In addition, please bring:

• Appropriate outdoor clothing and footwear (i.e. long pants and shirt, hat, sunglasses, etc.). We strongly recommend rain boots.
• A mobile device with data capabilities for navigation and mapping.

• Water and snacks.

DO I HAVE TO BRING MY PRINTED TICKET TO THE EVENT?

No.

WHO CAN I ASK IF I HAVE QUESTIONS?

Please call Mike McKenzie, Restoration Biologist, at 437-522-4710 with any questions or concerns.

Note: All workdays are subject to cancellations. Please be sure to check your email for any updates!