Celebrate World Environment Day and Join the CWF Observation Nation

June 4, 2020
Ottawa, Ontario

The Canadian Wildlife Federation is launching a new project in celebration of World Environment Day June 5th.

Everyone is invited to join the CWF Observation Nation project found on the iNaturalist.ca platform. Help the Canadian Wildlife Federation reach its goal of 50,000 wildlife observations by Canada Day.

Use the free iNaturalist app to share sightings of native plants and other wild species including reptiles, mammals, bugs, birds, butterflies, even fish. It’s easy. It’s fun. It’s free to download.

Connect virtually with scientists who will help you identify the wildlife species in your neck of the woods, backyards, parks or waterways. And take some time to look through other amazing wildlife pictures taken during the pandemic. Stay safe while staying connected.

It’s like taking Canada’s nature selfie!

Visit iNaturalist.ca to join the CWF Observation Nation project or download the app now.

How many nature photos will you post between World Environment Day June 5 and Canada Day?

About the Canadian Wildlife Federation:

The Canadian Wildlife Federation is dedicated to fostering awareness and appreciation of our natural world. By spreading knowledge of human impacts on the environment, conducting research, taking action to conserve habitat and wildlife, recommending legislative and policy changes, and co-operating with like-minded partners, CWF encourages a future in which Canadians can live in harmony with nature. Visit CanadianWildlifeFederation.ca for more information.

About iNaturalist

iNaturalist.ca is led by the Canadian Wildlife Federation along with our partners at Parks Canada, NatureServe Canada and the Royal Ontario Museum. It is a member of the iNaturalist Network, a joint initiative of the California Academy of Sciences and the National Geographic Society.

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Contacts:

David DeRocco, Sr. Manager, Marketing and Events, davidd@cwf-fcf.org: (613) 599-9594 x 279 Heather Robison, Media Relations Officer, heatherr@cwf-fcf.org (613) 599-9594 x 212

New Project Launches During Canadian Environment Week

OTTAWA, June 4, 2020 - With COVID-19 social distancing measures impacting scientific surveys and field research, the Canadian Wildlife Federation (CWF) is asking Canadians to help them collect critical data on the impacts of isolation on the environment.

“We are counting on Canadians now more than ever to share their nature photos and record their wildlife observations on iNaturalist.ca,” said James Pagé, CWF species at risk and biodiversity specialist. “This information is critical to understand some of the impacts of the quarantine on the wildlife. It’s also an opportunity to showcase how much nature matters to Canadians.”

CWF launched its Observations From Isolation project on iNaturalist.ca in April, generating more than 23,000 submissions the first wave of the pandemic. With Canadian Environment Day being celebrated June 5th, followed by Rivers to Oceans Week, the immediate goal is to achieve 50,000 observations by Canada Day. The long-term goal is to inspire conservation through the new CWF Observation Nation project.

“Canadians of all ages and abilities can help by posting photos or sound recordings of any wild plants or animals. The automatic identification feature can help you figure out what species you’ve seen, and scientists can help verify observations virtually,” Pagé said. “This is especially important in 2020 since some research teams may have to limit their travel and rely more the public data.”

The iNaturalist app and website are free and easy to use whether observing nature safely in your backyard, local park or further afield. Overall, there are 2.4 million observations of 23,000 species in the Canadian database, which was created in 2015. CWF thanks all Canadians who have contributed to the project to date.

To learn more and get involved visit iNaturalist.ca.

About the Canadian Wildlife Federation:

The Canadian Wildlife Federation is dedicated to fostering awareness and appreciation of our natural world. By spreading knowledge of human impacts on the environment, conducting research, taking action to conserve habitat and wildlife, recommending legislative and policy changes, and co-operating with like-minded partners, CWF encourages a future in which Canadians can live in harmony with nature. Visit CanadianWildlifeFederation.ca for more information.

About iNaturalist

iNaturalist.ca is led by CWF along with our partners at Parks Canada, NatureServe Canada and the Royal Ontario Museum. It is a member of the iNaturalist Network, a joint initiative of the California Academy of Sciences and the National Geographic Society.

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Contacts:

David DeRocco, Sr. Manager, Marketing and Events, davidd@cwf-fcf.org: (613) 599-9594 x 279

Heather Robison, Media Relations Officer, heatherr@cwf-fcf.org: (613) 599-9594 x 212