Biodiversity Discovery Days - May 2025

Discover the incredible diversity of life in our region through free hands-on activities and community events. Take part in a citizen science BioBlitz using iNaturalist, enjoy expert talks on local ecosystems, join a guided nature walk, explore the Ucluelet Aquarium for free, and get involved in restoring local habitats by removing invasive species.

You can take part in our BioBlitz at any time during the three days! Explore the Clayoquot Sound UNESCO Biosphere Region at your own pace and contribute to our iNaturalist BioBlitz project (linked here). Whether you're in the forest, on the shoreline, or in your own backyard, every observation you submit helps build a clearer picture of local biodiversity. Be part of a region-wide citizen science effort and deepen your connection to the natural world around you.

Whether you're a seasoned naturalist or just curious about the world around you, there's something for everyone to enjoy!

All events are FREE!

Full Schedule

Thursday, May 22nd, 2025

Drop-in Introduction Sessions to iNaturalist

4-6 PM – Clayoquot Biosphere Trust Office (316 Main Street, Tofino)

4-6 PM – Amphitrite House Interpretive Centre (Coast Guard Dr, Ucluelet)

Want to learn more about how to use iNaturalist? Unsure how to collect data or download the app on your phone? Come meet with us to ask all your questions and get ready for the Bioblitz.

Friday, May 23rd, 2025

Guided Walk & BioBlitz

4-6 pm – Wild Pacific Trail (Meet at the Whale lot)

Join Tanya, a knowledgeable Naturalist from the Wild Pacific Trail Society, for an insightful guided walk. Discover the rich biodiversity that thrives here while actively contributing to the Bioblitz by recording your observations along the way.

Biodiversity Talks

7-9 pm – Ucluelet Community Centre (500 Matterson Dr, Ucluelet)

Some of the Coolest Biodiversity Ever: Frogs, Bogs, Salamanders & Salt Marshes

Barb is the founder of the Wetland Stewards for Clayoquot & Barkley Sounds, a charitable society that does applied research and educational outreach on amphibian species at risk. Highlights of that work include the successful installation of tunnel systems that allow frogs and salamanders to migrate safely under roads, and the protection of important wetland habitats from logging, development, and invasive species. Barb’s talk will include some fascinating and fun facts about local amphibians, and one of their foes - the invasive Yellow Flag Iris.

Eelgrass Ecosystems: The Community That Sustains Us All

Alana is an Aquarist and Interpreter at the Ucluelet Aquarium, and she will share about the vital role eelgrass meadows play in coastal ecosystems. Come learn how these underwater habitats support marine biodiversity, protect shorelines, and contribute to climate resilience.

Saturday, May 24th, 2025

FREE Entry to the Ucluelet Aquarium

10 AM - 4:30 PM – Ucluelet Aquarium (180 Main Street, Ucluelet)

Enjoy Free Admission to the Ucluelet Aquarium, ALL DAY! Explore the wonders of the ocean, discover incredible marine life through vibrant exhibits and interactive touch tanks, and connect with knowledgeable staff who can help you identify intertidal species from your own Bioblitz photos. It’s a unique opportunity to get up close with the amazing biodiversity of local coastal waters!

Bioblitz & Invasive Species Removal at Kimoto Park

2-4 PM – Meet at the Whale Lot of the Wild Pacific Trail and we'll walk to the work site together

Meet Barb Beasley from the Wetland Stewards of Clayoquot and Barkley Sounds and Jason Straka from the BC Conservation Data Centre for a hands-on conservation experience. Help remove invasive yellow flag iris from Kimoto Park while learning from two experts in wetland ecology and biodiversity monitoring. Bring your smartphone to record species sightings on iNaturalist and contribute to citizen science efforts that support healthy ecosystems.

Space is limited for this event; email nicole@westcoastnest.org to let us know you're coming.

For this event, make sure to dress for the weather, bring gumboots, and scissors if you have some! 

This event requires moving over uneven, steep, and slippery forest, salt marsh and beach terrain with obstacles such as (but not limited to) logs, roots, and rocks.

NOTE: We will be taking pictures throughout the events. Please let a staff member know if you do not wish to be photographed. 

These events are made possible with the support of the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (@nserc_crsng) PromoScience program.