The OFAH | Mario Cortellucci Hunting & Fishing Heritage Centre is taking part in a nationwide community science project that is expected to help us learn more about local biodiversity.
BugQuest, run by the University of Guelph Centre for Biodiversity Genomics (CBG), provides malaise traps to citizen scientists to collect insects from hundreds of schools, protected areas, and community sites.
The tent-like device was set up at the OFAH at 4601 Guthrie Drive in June. Samples will continue to be collected weekly until October, OFAH Foundation Conservation Education Coordinator Meribeth Burley said.
Insects, attracted to the trap, make their way into a compartment and eventually a bottle containing a saltwater solution to preserve the specimens that will undergo DNA barcoding and sequencing at the university.
After the final specimens are submitted this fall, Burley hopes to receive a site biodiversity report in early 2027. It will contain a list and photographs of species found, as well as comparisons with other programs and sites across Canada.
It’s been great to be able to tell day OFAH camp kids and field trip visitors all about the project, Burley said. “Citizen science is very important and by collecting information about insects we can learn so much about the health of the ecosystem around us.”
Samples collected through BugQuest are being added to CBG’s digital DNA library, which added its 15 millionth specimen last year. Ever growing, it’s the largest digital DNA archive in the world, according to the university’s news webpage.
“Teachers and students are really excited to learn more about the insects in their area,” CBG Project Manager Dr. Ross Stewart stated. “BugQuest invites people to learn locally and contribute nationally.” To learn more or apply for spring 2027, visit: https://bioscan.life/bugquest/
