- Niagara Parks invites golfers to participate in the May 28 BioBlitz event to help document the diverse plant and animal species residing at Whirlpool Golf Course
- Data obtained through the iNaturalist app will be used to track the environmental biodiversity of the site
- Niagara Parks aims to strengthen the balance between environmental conservation and ensuring an optimal golfing experience throughout the industry
Niagara Falls, ON – Golfers who hit the links on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, at the renowned Whirlpool Golf Course for a round of golf are invited to participate in the 2024 Whirlpool BioBlitz event. Niagara Parks is hosting the initiative to help identify and record species found at the site to help support future conservation efforts and environmental stewardship work.
A BioBlitz is a free species-counting competition and community-led event designed to showcase the environmental value of natural habitats while tracking biodiversity growth and invasive species.
Using the iNaturalist app, members of the public can upload photos from their phone of various plant and animal species, as well as access visual inventories of species that are common to a specific area to assist with identification efforts. Golfers can enjoy a round of golf while recording as many species as possible within a designated location and time-period.
The BioBlitz competition is an initiative designed by Audubon International. This year, the organization has designated May 18 to June 17 for golf courses to take part in the initiative. In 2023, the BioBlitz event set a record with nearly 500 volunteers participating and identifying more than 3,000 species.
All golfers with a tee time on May 28 at Whirlpool Golf Course will be invited to participate in the initiative and will be given instructions on how to use the iNaturalist app and other helpful tips for tracking their observations. Participation is entirely voluntary and does not interfere with the round of golf.
The BioBlitz at Whirlpool Golf Course aligns with Niagara Parks’ role as the environmental and cultural stewards of the Niagara River corridor, tasked with protecting and promoting the lands from Fort Erie to Niagara-on-the-Lake. Niagara Parks aims to achieve a balance between conservation and ensuring an optimal golfing experience emphasized by our participation in the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary for Golf Certification Program. Niagara Parks applies a comprehensive environmental approach to its golf operations at both Whirlpool Golf Course and Legends on the Niagara. For more information about Niagara Parks’ conservation efforts, visit niagaraparks.com/stewardship.
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About Audubon International
Audubon International is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) environmental organization providing people with the education and assistance they need to practice responsible management of land, water, wildlife, and other natural resources. To meet this mission, the organization provides training, services, and a set of award-winning environmental education and certification programs for individuals, organizations, properties, new developments, and entire communities. For more information, visit Audubon International’s website at www.auduboninternational.org.
About Niagara Parks
Since its establishment in 1885, Niagara Parks has remained a self-financed agency of the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport, entrusted to preserve and protect the land surrounding Niagara Falls and the Niagara River. Today, Niagara Parks boasts gardens, a horticulture school, recreation, golf courses, restaurants, heritage and historic sites, gift shops and, of course, Niagara Falls. In short, natural landscapes, history, family fun, hiking, culinary delights, attractions and adventure.
For more information, please visit niagaraparks.com
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