The St. Lawrence River Institute of Environmental Sciences since past few months has been coordinating an inventory of fish, reptiles, mammals, insects and plants that make their home along the upper St. Lawrence River.

The River Institute has been generating a roster of species by taking help from ‘Citizen Scientists’. As per experts, record of these species will help know health of the environment in specific areas that are along the river and its tributaries.

It has been said that a special invitation to the citizens of Glengarry and other is being extended by the River Institute and Raisin Region Conservation Authority.

Citizens can openly participate to help the River institute identify the creatures and plants that call Island Park home, on Saturday August 8, beginning at 10 am.

These invitations to different people will allow the citizens to get a new experience and become nature detective as a ‘Bioblitz’ investigation is brought to Island Park and Mill Pond.

Whatever the participants collect from on and/or near the park will assist in determining specific research goals that lead to strategies to repair and to protect the St. Lawrence River and its ecosystems.

Science education specialist Lacey MasDonald, said, “No find is too insignificant. We are thrilled to have those with specific expertise join us as volunteers such as members of birding or fishing clubs, but all interested individuals and families are invited”.

MacDonald is recruiting citizen scientists of all ages to be environmental investigators to help her track down the creatures and plants that live in the St. Lawrence River watershed.