46 FOCUS - MAY 2017 Just as the spring season gets into full swing so will this year’s celebrations of Canada’s 150th Birthday. If your family is looking for an educational, hands on and natural way to recognize the coming of both events why not join Friends of Nonquon and North Durham Nature on Saturday May 27th as they present “Passport to Biodiversity” at the Nonquon Provincial Wildlife Area just north of Port Perry. This spring event will help families learn about bio- diversity by involving them in a “Bioblitz”. A Bioblitz is a volunteer-based biological inventory of a specific area and there are many taking place across the country this year. They are a fun way to get experts and novices work- ing together to find out what plant and animal species are living in a given area. Citizen science in action, a Bioblitz is helpful in establishing a baseline record for current and future comparison and study. Families will learn about the importance of biological diversity and how they can take steps to stop its decline. Children will not only learn about the diversity of life at their local wetland, but will be taught how they can make their own backyards into a habitat that supports many native plants and animals. Children are eager to know about the natural world around them and are often our most committed citizens when it comes to its protection and nurture. Residents of Scugog are fortunate to have the large Nonquon wetland, an area of great biodiversity, right on our doorstep. This wetland has a huge impact on the health of the local watershed, including Lake Scugog, and provides a variety of habitat types that support a wide array of wildlife species. Friends of Nonquon is a volunteer organization dedicated to protecting that wet- land through action and public education opportunities for families of the area and is supported in its efforts by North Durham Nature. “Passport to Biodiversity” is a free family event offer- ing exploration in a number of habitat types in the wetland area and providing a beginners look at the Bioblitz concept of data gathering. With the guidance of wetland experts and the use of specialised tools and identification materials participants will record their discoveries in a “Biodiversity Passport”. Habitat stations will include dip netting in the pond, capturing insects in the field, essential trees and plants, birds and wildlife signs and more. Families are challenged to reach 150 points during their adventures in recognition of Canada’s special birthday this year. All this will happen at the Pheasant Pen Classroom of the Nonquon Environmental Education Center -19745 Old Scugog Road – Saturday May 27th from 9 a.m. till noon – rain or shine. So come dressed for the weather and bring your sense of curiosity as we focus on fun in the outdoors and the wonder of life in the natural world. For further information or to register in advance please send an email to: friendsofnonquon@gmail.com By Cathy Galberg, Special to Focus on Scugog Celebrating the Natural Way with Friends of Nonquon Female red-winged blackbird (common nesting bird of the wetland) Giant Waterbug father carrying a clutch of eggs on his back. Photos courtesy of Jay thiebert Canada’s 150 NOW ON SALE BOOKS GALORE & MORE 175 Perry St., Port Perry FOCUS ON SCUGOG 188 Mary St., Port Perry