Uplands Park - Insect BioBlitz Spring 2024's Journal

The Bioblitz is on! So great to see your observations coming in.

A reminder that today, Saturday, there will be refreshments at the picnic area on Beach Drive from 12-2. Come on over to say hello and get some drinks and snacks to fuel your insect-watching.

And see below for details on Sunday’s bird walk from Geoffrey and David Newell.

We will be leading a unique bird walk this coming Sunday, May 12th at 4:00pm in collaboration with Victoria Bird Week and the Insect Bioblitz in Uplands Park. The focus will be on our resident and migratory insectivores and the important connections between birds, insects, and the precious Garry Oak ecosystems. We are meeting at the park entrance at the corner of Dorset Rd and Lincoln St. There are several parking spots there and several more a little farther along Dorset Rd. All are welcome!

Thanks everyone and happy insect hunting on this beautiful sunny weekend.

• Stephanie

Hello hello! It's almost time for the insect bioblitz in the Garry Oak Meadows at Uplands Park & Cattle Point.

I have some details to share with you.

1. FOOD & DRINKS! We will have refreshments for participants on Saturday between 12-2 at the picnic area in the grassy field on Beach Drive, across from the Uplands entrance. So look for insects before or after & join us for a break and social time.
2. Parking. Park at Cattle Point in the upper or lower lot, or along Beach Drive on either side of the road. DO NOT put one wheel on the curb to try to save space in the road. You may think you are being considerate of drivers, but you may get a ticket.
3. Tread Lightly. It is the height of the bloom of camas and other wildflowers; others may be just starting to emerge from the ground. Uplands Park is home to endangered species. Please be careful where you step and try to keep to the trails and/or walk on the rocks as much as possible.
4. Night access. We have permission from Oak Bay Parks to be at the park at night. So feel free to set up black lights.
5. YOU'RE INVITED! As part of World Migratory Bird Day's theme: Protect Insects, Protect Birds, we welcome you to join us on a free guided bird walk led by Geoffrey and David Newell on Sunday at 4 pm, with a focus on insectivores. Meet at the park entrance at Dorset Rd and Lincoln St. Parking available there and along Dorset.
6. PRIZES. We will have prizes for the most insect species observed in iNaturalist, the most insects identified in iNat, and a Judge's choice award for best photo and/or coolest observation.
7. SHARE! Bring a friend, tell a friend, make a friend. Feel free to use this Journal to make plans and let others know when you will be heading to the park. We hope this will be a place where we can come together as a community to share and learn from one another.
8. Questions? Feel free to be in touch with me (Stephanie) through iNaturalist or by email: srweinstein2@gmail.com

Hello iNatters, Entomophiles & Garry Oak ecosystems-Kwetlal food system afficionados,

Friends of Uplands Park is happy to host another insect bioblitz at Uplands Park & Cattle Point. The Garry oak meadows are in their wildflower glory, beaconing all the pollinators and other insect visitors. And if that weren't enough of a reason - it is also World Migratory Bird Day with this year's theme being "Protect Insects, Protect Birds": https://www.migratorybirdday.org/conservation-theme/ highlighting the critical importance of insects to birds. (And to everything and everyone, really.) So come celebrate flowers & birds as well as the amazing insect diversity with this insect bioblitz that will help us to understand insect diversity through the seasons in the Garry Oak ecosystems. We will have prizes! And a community hub/food table reception & more! Details to follow soon.

Hope to see you soon!

Stephanie
srweinstein2@gmail.com