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By rdnewsNOW staff

biodiversity database

Alberta May Plant Count set for May 29 near Gull Lake

May 21, 2025 | 4:54 PM

Nature Alberta and Nature Conservancy Canada (NCC) are asking the public to participate in the upcoming Alberta May Plant Count.

The annual citizen science initiative is set to take place from May 25 to 31 with an event neat Red Deer on May 29.

Those interested can take part in a wild flower count from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the Warren property, east of Gull Lake. Specific details of the location are given after registering online and whether the event happens is weather dependent.

“By participating in the May Plant Count, you join efforts of the long-standing annual citizen science project, the May Species Count, which was initiated in 1976,” said Stephanie Weizenbach, Executive Director, Nature Alberta, in a media release. “The aim of the May Species Count is to collect valuable species data while encouraging stewardship and appreciation of the amazing natural areas Alberta has to offer.”

Participants will count the number of plant species in bloom and recording them on the smartphone app called iNaturalist, which the NCC says is the worlds biggest biodiversity database.

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To wrap up the event, they will have a guided walk at the nearby Susut conservation easement.

Volunteers should dress for the weather, wear sturdy footwear, and bring sunscreen, insect repellent, water, lunch, and snacks.

There will also be an event held at the Campbell property, in the Cooking Lake Moraine east of Edmonton, on May 30 at 10:00 a.m.

The NCC says the May Plant Count helps improve their understanding of wildflower distribution and provides valuable data on flowering times.

“This information can help us manage conservation sites more effectively. Better understanding where rare plant populations are thriving or where invasive species are spreading can help us better take care of the lands we conserve,” said Delaney Schlemko, Natural Area Manager, Nature Conservancy of Canada.

They will also host a fence pulling event at the McPhee property east of Red Deer near Pine Lake on May 27 from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. To register or to find more information, click here.