Citizen scientists will be back on Pelee Island counting butterflies and dragonflies for the first time since the pandemic.
Robert Bowles, an award-winning writer, photographer, artist, and naturalist, has coordinated the count every year since 1997. He put the count on hold because of COVID-19 in 2020 but will return this weekend.
Bowles and his team said they welcome volunteers who want to help on Saturday and Sunday. Those who are interested can email him at rbowles@rogers.com or call 705-790-8884.
The teams will meet at the West Dock of Pelee Island in front of the Pelee Island Heritage Centre at 9 a.m. on both days.
Over the years, volunteers have recorded many new and rare species.
Bowles has almost 25 years of data and said an increase of southern species moving north into Canada, setting new Canadian records, can be attributed to climate change.
