Bugs, plants and water organisms featured in Bio Blitz Sunday

Even as the nearby lands were filled with ice, the Cypress Hills remained uncovered.

There will be booths and exhibits set up at the Learning Centre in Elkwater on Sunday, showcasing the work of experts and organizations.

Experts will also be leading short hikes and activities where visitors can learn about ecology, geology and organisms in the area.

Visitors will also be able to help photograph and identify species they come across.

Other activities will include pond dipping, where visitors can examine the aquatic organisms from nearby ponds and help build and aquarium.

Walks and activities are scheduled throughout the day from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Alberta Wilderness Association and its partner organizations are hosting the event on the Alberta side of the Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park.

Here’s the list of organizations involved:

· Alberta Amphibian and Reptile Conservancy (AARC)

· Alberta Community Bat Program (Alberta Community Bat Program)

· Alberta Invasive Species Council (AISC)

· Alberta Lepidopterists’ Guild (ALG)

· Alberta Mycological Society

· Alberta Native Bee Council (ANBC)

· Alberta Native Plant Council (ANPC)

· Alberta Wilderness Association (AWA)

· Nature Alberta

· Royal Alberta Museum (RAM)

· Society of Grasslands Naturalists

· University of Alberta

University of Lethbridge

by Brian Konrad