Annual bioblitz hopes to create record of local species

Take part in City Nature Challenge: Bonner County from April 28-May 1

By Reader Staff

Local outdoor enthusiasts are invited to participate in the 2023 City Nature Challenge: Bonner County — a bioblitz event that gives members of the public a chance to take part in the cataloging of local plant and animal species by taking photos and posting them to the specialized smartphone app iNaturalist. This year, the event is being held Friday, April 28 through Monday, May 1.

CNCBC is just one of many bioblitz events happening worldwide at the same time, and officially launched as one of Idaho’s first in 2021 thanks to members of the Pend Oreille Chapter of Idaho Master Naturalists and Kinnikinnick Native Plant Society.

According to organizers, the idea is to take photos of wild things found within the nature challenge’s pre-defined boundary — locally, that’s Bonner County — and then post them to the iNaturalist app with the goal to identify as many of the observations as possible to the species level.

Another app that helps to identify items

Free microchip and vaccination clinic at Boundary County Fairgrounds April 29

By Reader Staff

The best way to ensure the quick and safe return of your pet is to have them microchipped with up-to-date information and wearing visible ID tags on their collar. To help ensure the community has access to this service, Better Together Animal Alliance is hosting a free microchip and vaccination clinic on Saturday, April 29 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Boundary County Fairgrounds (6567 Recreation Park Road in Bonners Ferry).

This free clinic is generously funded by Roberta Thompson, vaccines are provided by PetcoLove and pet food will be available courtesy of Chewy and the Humane Society of the United States.

Implanted microchips can serve as a security measure to help ensure that a pet is returned home, even if a collar and tag are lost. Veterinarians, shelters and animal control professionals are able to scan these chips and track down each pet’s registered owner. BTAA will have trained staff and volunteers on-site to help pet owners register their current information as part of the microchipping process and facilitate pet vaccinations.

For those planning to attend, please note that all dogs must be on a leash at all times, and all cats must be in carriers. Services are provided on a first-come, first-served basis and are limited to 75 participants. If you have any questions or would like to learn more about BTAA’s services, call 208-2657297 ext. 100.