The New Brunswick Museum (NBM) is leading the 13th annual BiotaNB field project this summer.
BiotaNB is an initiative within a two-decade-long biological inventory project led by the museum, where specialists and volunteers will explore the rich biological diversity across 10 protected natural areas.
This year is the concluding phase of a two-year strategy documenting the biodiversity in Loch Alva, a protected natural area (PNA) that spans 22,000 hectares near Saint John.
Dr. Donald McAlpine, the project leader and head of the New Brunswick Museum Department of Natural History, said the project will kick off on Aug. 14 and wrap up on Aug 27.
During this period, more than 60 experts, volunteers, artists and university students from Canada, the U.S. and Europe will come together to gather vital information about New Brunswick’s protected coastal forests and wetland ecosystems.
“Months, sometimes even years of lab work at the NBM and other institutions worldwide can follow from the relatively short period BiotaNB experts spend in the field,” said McAlpine.
Last year, BiotaNB unveiled a treasure trove of new species, including various lichens, insects and a frog, all previously unknown to the region. Notably, several of these species were new to the province, and one lichen marked a first for North America.
McAlpine said the team is optimistic about uncovering even more new species this year.
“We are trying to educate the public about the importance of these conservation areas and especially for those people who may be living close to these areas. Where hoping that they all really appreciate some the discovery that’s happening on their doorstep,” added McAlphine.
The lineup of artists-in-residence features notable talents such as Aleta Karstad, a seasoned scientific illustrator and natural history artist who was honoured with the Canadian Wildlife Federation’s Robert Bateman Award in 2018.
Joining her is Mathieu Léger, a versatile contemporary artist from Moncton and the 2024 Atlantic nominee for the Sobey Art Award. Rounding out the group is Michael McEwing, a landscape artist and educator from Carleton County, known for his diverse creations in oil and acrylic painting, printmaking and mixed media.
Once the field project is finished, a public open house will take place on Aug. 25 from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. in the BiotaNB field lab, located at the Musquash Volunteer Fire-Rescue Hall. It will be a chance to meet the experts, artists and students participating in this two-week project and to learn about their many fascinating discoveries.
