By Snigdhodeb Dutta, PhD Candidate at Concordia University, on behalf of the Concordia Pollinators team

For two perfect September days, the 16^th and 18^th, our Loyola Campus felt less like an academic institution and more like a thriving ecosystem. We from the Concordia Pollinators team were privileged to host a Campus BioBlitz (Loyola Campus BioBlitz) in memory of Dr. Sheila Colla, whose passionate advocacy for native pollinators and bumblebee conservation continues to inspire. Her legacy, I think, urges us to pause and notice the minor, often overlooked lives buzzing and fluttering right under our noses—the ones that quietly anchor our local environment. What we discovered over those two days was, honestly, more than any of us expected.

The community response was incredible. More than 150 people, including students, faculty, and community members, came together, armed with cameras and field guides, their curiosity almost palpable. We spread out across the campus pollinator gardens with a shared goal: to spot and record as many species as possible in just a few hours. It felt less like a formal event and more like a collective treasure hunt.

There was a moment when someone called out, “Metallic green sweat bee over here!” and suddenly a dozen of us were huddled around a single flower, phones aimed at this tiny, shimmering insect. Another volunteer gently pointed out a nearly invisible caterpillar, steadily working its way along a milkweed leaf. Bit by bit, as a mix of seasoned experts and first-time observers, we tallied over 130 species, including bumblebees, hoverflies, beetles, and more. Every recorded sighting felt meaningful, not just as data, but as a quiet nod to Dr. Colla’s work.

As the afternoon faded, we moved inside, where the energy shifted but didn’t fade. The workshops sparked some truly engaging conversations, and Dr. Emma Despland’s keynote which honored Dr. Sheila Colla’s legacy while framing the urgent challenge of biodiversity loss provided a powerful foundation for reflection. Ana Lívia Oliveira and Nicole Yu’s presentations further enriched the dialogue, offering crucial perspectives on the practical steps and diverse strategies needed to foster urban biodiversity and support resilient pollinator populations. The synergy between these talks resonated deeply with everyone in the room.

We owe a huge thank you to every person who joined, volunteered, or shared their knowledge. A special mention goes to Rosa Alicia Castillo, Moses Rupak Raj Vedala, and Jackie Martin. This event wouldn’t have happened without their hard work. (And thank you to Anthony Arsenault for the group photo that perfectly captured the day’s spirit!)

Looking back, the BioBlitz did more than just catalogue species; it felt like a small but meaningful act of reconnection. In the same way that researchers might track ticks to assess ecological health, our efforts helped map the life in these urban green spaces. It’s a reminder that you don’t need to go far to encounter wonder; sometimes it’s right there, in a campus garden, waiting to be noticed. We’re already looking forward to the next one.

How You Can Continue the Quest for Biodiversity

The quest for discovery doesn’t have to end when the BioBlitz is over! Just as Erica Fellin encouraged people to submit their findings to eTick.ca, you can continue to be a citizen scientist right here in Montreal.

When you’re outside:

• Slow down and look closely. Biodiversity is everywhere—in a crack in the pavement, on a single flower, in the bark of a tree.
• Use your phone as a tool. Take clear photos of the insects, birds, and plants you see. Try to capture different angles.

When you’re home:

• Upload your findings! Submit your photos to platforms like iNaturalist. Your observations become part of a global scientific database, helping researchers like us track species distribution and abundance over time.
• Share your passion. Talk about what you saw with friends and family. The more people who appreciate local biodiversity, the more we can do to protect it.
  

This BioBlitz was a powerful reminder that conservation is a community effort. Together, we can ensure that the buzz and flutter of life on our campus continues to thrive for generations to come.

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