(Photo: Rick Tallas via Red Deer River Naturalists)

By rdnewsNOW staff

still a go

Annual species count going ahead May 30-31

May 11, 2020 | 10:42 AM

With the current situation with COVID-19, the Red Deer River Naturalists are still going ahead with their May Species Count on May 30 and 31.

Organizers say that since this activity does not involve people congregating those who are participating are encouraged to continue with social distancing.

“This is a great way to get out of the house and still be safe,” they point out.

The goal of the annual species count is to document animals and flowering plants in Central Alberta.

“You can count in your own backyard, in a nearby park or natural area or even by driving the backroads. We are interested in everything, from insects and spiders to amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals.”

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You can visit www.rdrn.ca to print off tally sheets.

Notes for those taking part:

– All living things are counted: flowers in bloom, mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, insects.

– Count between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. either Saturday, Sunday or both. (please check Coming Events or the May Newsletter on our website for any changes.)

– If counting both days, please count in different locations using separate tally sheets.

– Contact Judy Boyd 403-358-1098 if participating and to indicate where you are counting so there are no duplication of counts.

Completed tally sheets can be scanned and emailed to judy.boyd@shaw.ca. You can also call Judy at 403-358-1098 to give your tally over the phone, or mail your tally sheet to: RDRN office, Box 785, Red Deer, Alberta, T4N 5H2, Attn: Judy Boyd.

Because the Kerry Wood Nature Centre is closed, you won’t have the option of dropping your tally sheet off there. If you are walking on the trails, make sure you keep yourself at a safe distance from other people.