How you Can help

Contribute to our site

We are always interested to hear from anyone who wants to help with the Columbia River Basin Biodiversity Atlas. If you have ideas, data, resources or comments, please contact us at: [email protected]. Join the growing number of people and organizations collaborating and contributing to the Atlas.

Citizen Science

There are many ways for you to provide valuable data—and you don't even need a science background! Citizen science describes projects where people gather and report simple scientific data (for example, rare bird sightings). It's a great way to get involved and help with projects of interest.

We have a new citizen science area on the Atlas that we are really excited about. It�s under the ACTIVITIES heading on the home page. If you�d prefer the direct route, just click here. We also have a page where we describe some other great local initiatives.

In addition to the citizen science tools here on the Atlas, there are many, many other projects globally and locally; explore the web for others that may be of interest to you. Here�s a sampling to get you started

BC Breeding Bird Atlas
http://www.birdatlas.bc.ca/english/index.jsp

Christmas bird count — the longest running environmental census.
http://birds.audubon.org/christmas-bird-count

NatureWatch — a series of environmental monitoring projects including Frogwatch, IceWatch, WormWatch and PlantWatch.
http://www.naturewatch.ca/english/

NAMOS BC — Amphibians of the Central Interior
http://www.namos.ca/NAMOS_amphibs_ci.htm

Help at home

You can help conserve biodiversity on your land by taking action today:

Conserve your electricity and water
Locate critical wildlife habitat for species at risk in your community.
Don't disturb wildlife habitat, especially nesting and denning sites.
Eliminate threats to habitats and maintain natural habitats.
Install bird and bat houses to support wildlife.
Get rid of introduced weeds on your property.
Reduce the spread of weeds by staying on the road, instead of disturbing natural areas.
Use native trees and plants when landscaping and don't disturb existing native plants.
Don't drain water bodies on your property.
Practice water conservation.
Protect riparian (shoreline) and other sensitive areas by installing fences to minimize disturbances.
Practice good livestock management techniques to maximize range conditions.
Try letting some range go 'ungrazed' so you can determine range characteristics and then manage for them.
Leave standing dead trees and mature forest stands so they can provide nest cavities for a range of species.
Explore conservation covenants and the potential of leasing or donating your property to land trusts for conservation purposes.
Try natural pest controls. These include: insecticidal soaps, dormant oil sprays, high-pressure water steam, barriers, collars, and others.
Avoid using chemical products that can pollute our waterways and ecosystems.
Safely dispose of any chemicals you use.
Consider your pets' role in biodiversity. Is your cat killing sensitive bird species?
Reduce emissions by driving less.
Practice the 3Rs — reduce, reuse and recycle.
Support local initiatives to protect biodiversity in your community.
Learn more about biodiversity and the natural environment you live in. Share that knowledge with others.
Learn more about land covenants and other conservation options.
Learn more about Nature, Carbon & Climate Change in British Columbia

Get smart

Protecting and conserving habitats is critical to ensuring biodiversity. Learn more about land covenants, conservation properties, and how you can help conserve biodiversity.
Contact federal or provincial agencies, or one of the many environmental non-government organizations actively involved in land conservation.