Scientific Saturday: Birchdale Retreat

 

Down in the woods of Digby County is a hundred-year-old camp or retreat centre called "Birchdale." I got invited to spend a night and a day their by my botanist friend, Alain. It was a 'work party' day, for a bunch of volunteers. Mostly firewood preparation and repair to a long boardwalk.

This place, for twenty-five years of its life, was once a Carmelite Monastery, Nova Nada. 

The setting is spectacular and extraordinarily peaceful. It was a great treat to be invited to spend a night and a day, and help out. I hope to visit again.

Scientific Saturday: Bioblitzing!

 

So this week, in my spare moments, I've been 'bioblitzing.' Yes, making observations of plenty of living things in my county, and submitting them to iNaturalist. It's the First Annual Kepukwitk Municipal iNaturalist Competition - and Digby County is competing quite well, so far. 

The first time I heard the term 'citizen scientist' was just a few years ago. A local retired biologist used it, speaking of everyday people contributing to scientific knowledge. Well, that is just what iNaturlaist is about. Everyone can log in and submit what they have seen. Even if you don't know what some organism is, someone out there will, and can help identify it. 

Powder-tipped antler lichen

Here are a few other things I have seen this week:

Ladies Tresses Orchid

Blue Felt Lichen (our Provincial lichen - nominated)

Northern Harrier

Great Blue Heron

Dwarf Birch