One of our recent Wednesday programs featured a fascinating presentation from Bob Turner and Sue Ellen Fast, members of the Bowen Island Conservancy’s Caring for Nature initiative. They shared the vital importance of biodiversity and outlined efforts to nurture and protect it on Bowen Island.
One key way to get involved is through iNaturalist, an app that allows users to observe and document species in their environment. By contributing data, participants become citizen scientists — everyday people who gather and share scientific information to advance research and conservation efforts.
The app’s mission is to foster a world where everyone can appreciate and care for nature through the practice of observing and sharing information about wildlife. You can learn more at iNaturalist.org
After a hands-on tutorial on using iNaturalist, we headed outdoors to discover our natural neighbours. Students photographed various species, uploaded their observations to the Bowen Biodiversity Project on iNaturalist, and became citizen scientists themselves!
Their contributions provide valuable data that supports community understanding and informs decisions about the health of our local ecosystems.
Being an active part of initiatives like this reflects our school’s commitment to playing a meaningful role in the Bowen Island community. By participating in local projects, students not only learn about their environment but also contribute to the collective efforts of caring for the natural world around us. This hands-on engagement is one way we bring our values to life and demonstrate our connection to the community we are so proud to call home.
Throughout the year, IPS students and their families will continue using iNaturalist to track biodiversity on Bowen Island.
On Bowen, the Caring for Nature initiative is using iNaturalist data, among other sources, to map ecosystems and species locations. You can learn more about their important work by visiting inaturalist.org
A huge thank you to Bob Turner and Sue Ellen Fast for inspiring us with their knowledge and passion for protecting the natural world!
