BioBlitz: Quimper, Thunderbird and East Ramparts (B3)

Originally published at: BioBlitz: Quimper, Thunderbird and East Ramparts (B3) – Alpine Club of Canada Vancouver Island Section

Trip Details

Distance 14 km
Over 850m of elevation gain
8:30am – 5:30/6:00 pm

Join us on May 1 for a day hike to contribute to the City Nature Challenge BioBlitz, which is happening in Greater Victoria (Port Renfrew, through Victoria, and the Gulf Islands) from April 29th – May 2nd in partnership with the Capital Regional District (CRD). Last year, more than 400 cities participated in this international event. This is a fun, educational opportunity that helps promote learning and protection of BC’s incredible biodiversity.

It’s super easy to take part in the BioBlitz! All you need is the iNaturalist app and an account. The goal is to take photos of all types of species (animals, plants, birds, insects and more). Here is the link to the webpage: https://inaturalist.ca/projects/city-nature-challenge-2022-greater-victoria

Our focus will mostly be on wildflowers. Expect to see calypso orchid, shooting star (2 kinds), monkeyflowers, lots of saxifrage – hopefully tufted, chocolate lily, violets, ground-cone, camas, lupines, paintbrush, and more!

Those wanting to record birds, mushrooms, insects, invasive species, etc are welcome to come along too.

Non-iNaturalist users and/or beginning naturalists are more than welcome – you can be flower and plant “spotters” for those of us doing the recording.

The planned route offers an opportunity for some scrambling up the Thunderbird cliffs – although the main trail will work equally as well. Descent from T-Bird will be via the steeper western side – a bit of route finding and some bushwhacking may be required here. Then we’ll head over to take in the views from the Eastern Ramparts, finally making our way home via the long (but easy) Sooke Mountain Trail (aka Harbourview Road Trail).

The trip, as planned, is approximately 14 km with over 850m of elevation gain. Some steep slopes may require the use of hands. We will have a full day enjoying one of the premier view hikes in the Capital Region. And, we’ll be contributing to the scientific knowledge base that helps us understand the ecosystems and habitats so important to the southern Vancouver Island region.

This hike will go rain or shine, but if the weather is particularly bad we will adjust the route accordingly for a safe, comfortable, fun-filled day.

Required gear: hiking books with good ankle support, extra layers, rain gear, water/hot drink, lunch, snacks, 10 essentials. Hiking poles are strongly recommended.

Meet at Harbourview Road parking lot at 8:20am for an 8:30am departure

No dogs please.

Co-organized by Mary Sanseverino and Rachel Treloar

RSVP to Rachel at rtreloarma@yahoo.ca
(maximum 12 participants)