BIO-BLITZ – May 29/30, 2026

MEDIA RELEASE
For Immediate Release – May 1st, 2026
Community Bioblitz Set for Hoople Creek Wildlife Area
South Stormont, Ontario
The Friends of Hoople Creek Society Inc. (FOHC), in partnership with the Citizens for Marshland Conservation Inc. (CMC), are pleased to announce a 24-hour Bioblitz event to be held at the Hoople Creek Provincial Wildlife Area from 4:00 p.m. Friday, May 29 to 4:00 p.m. Saturday, May 30, 2026.
A Bioblitz is an intensive, short-term effort to document as many species as possible within a defined area. This event aims to engage the community in hands-on citizen science while gathering valuable biodiversity data for the Hoople Creek ecosystem.
“Our goal is to increase community involvement in science while building a clearer picture of the biodiversity that exists within this important wetland,” said Kate Labossiere, a Director of the Friends of Hoople Creek Society. “We expect to document a wide range of species, including some that may not have previously been recorded in the area, and potentially even species of conservation concern.” Added Al Quinsey, a Director with the Citizens for Marshland Conservation.
The data collected during the Bioblitz will provide a snapshot of current biodiversity and establish a baseline for future comparison. By repeating similar surveys in the coming years, organizers hope to better understand how the ecosystem is changing over time.
All observations will be compiled and reviewed by experienced naturalists and biologists. A complete species list will be shared with participants and made publicly available online. Data will also be contributed to platforms such as iNaturalist, eBird, and the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF), ensuring accessibility for researchers, government agencies, and the broader public.
The Citizens for Marshland Conservation will play a key role in engaging local naturalists and coordinating expert-led activities, including guided walks and educational sessions. Several of these sessions will be led by biologists and experienced field naturalists.
The Friends of Hoople Creek Society’s involvement reflects its ongoing mission to work collaboratively with stakeholders to ensure the long-term health and sustainability of the Hoople Creek and Hoople Bay fishery and surrounding environment.
Community members of all ages and experience levels are encouraged to participate by attending guided activities or submitting their own observations.
For more information about the event, please refer to the event poster or contact the organizers.
Media Contacts:
Al Quinsey Director, Citizens for Marshland Conservation
Telephone: 613 985 6217
Email: alquinsey@hotmail.com
Kate Labossiere Director, Friends of Hoople Creek Society
Telephone: (613)551-3351
Email: Hooplecreek@cogeco.ca