With spring in full bloom, residents of Pincher Creek and surrounding communities are invited to take part in a unique opportunity to contribute to the growth of the world’s largest biodiversity database. 

The Alberta May Plant Count, taking place provincewide May 25 to 31, invites volunteers to document native wildflowers in bloom using a smartphone app called iNaturalist.

Organized by Nature Alberta in partnership with the Nature Conservancy of Canada, the project empowers everyday nature enthusiasts to assist scientists by collecting data on plant species across Alberta’s diverse ecosystems.

NCC is hosting three plant-count volunteer events in the province. One will take place near Twin Butte, one at the Warren property near Gull Lake, and one at the Campbell property east of Edmonton.  

The local volunteer event, dubbed Wildflower Fields Forever, will be held Friday, May 30, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Yarrow property, located west of Twin Butte and roughly 40 minutes from Pincher Creek.

The Yarrow property not only supports a wide variety of native wildflowers and other plant species, but also acts as an important wildlife corridor for the region. Nestled between Alberta’s grasslands and the Eastern Slopes of the Rockies, it’s an ideal site for conservation research.

Participants will walk through wide-open prairie grasslands, photographing wildflowers and identifying species in bloom while enjoying one of the province’s many beautiful natural areas.

Common species to look for in late May include prairie crocus, three-flowered avens (also known as “old man’s whiskers”), early blue violets, and marsh marigolds. Each has its own role in Alberta’s ecosystems, particularly in supporting native pollinators.

The data will be submitted to iNaturalist, an open-access resource used by researchers, land managers and conservationists around the world. Data from the volunteer event will be used to monitor both native and invasive plant populations, assess habitat health and support conservation decisions.

“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,” explains Delaney Schlemko, natural area manager with NCC.

Beyond citizen science and data collection, the May Plant Count is part of an ongoing effort to engage the public in environmental stewardship, with hopes of fostering a greater appreciation for Alberta’s natural landscapes amongst its constituents.

The initiative builds on the legacy of the May Species Count, a grassroots citizen science program launched in 1976 to track bird and plant species across the province.

“By participating in the May Plant Count, you join efforts of the long-standing annual citizen science project,” says Stephanie Weizenbach, executive director of Nature Alberta. 

“The aim is to collect valuable species data while encouraging stewardship and appreciation of Alberta’s amazing natural areas.”

Organizers advise volunteers to be prepared ahead of the flower count by bringing sturdy footwear, dressing in layers, and bringing water, lunch, sunscreen and insect repellent. Tools and light snacks will be provided. There are no toilet facilities on-site.

For those unable to attend in person, the May Plant Count is also open to solo participants. By downloading the free iNaturalist app and joining the May Plant Count project, individuals can contribute data from any natural area in Alberta — whether that’s a nearby hiking trail, a conservation site like Nodwell at Horseshoe Canyon, or even a backyard prairie patch.

To learn more about the project or to register for the flower count at the Yarrow property, visit naturealberta.ca/may-plant-count. Driving and parking details will be shared with registered participants ahead of time.

Questions about the Twin Butte event can be emailed to NCC at ab.volunteers@natureconservancy.ca.