Dawson has launched a biodiversity initiative entitled 1,000 Species in 1,000 Days, of which the objective is to attract and identify 1,000 species of plants, insects, invertebrates, bacteria, algae and animals in 1,000 days, using the iNaturalist app. The species count includes all life forms in all outdoor spaces, including the grounds and rooftops, on Dawson’s city block.

Launched on Nov. 1, 2022, this project is part of the Positive Nature University Alliance announced at the international meeting of the COP-15 to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity in Montreal.

Being Nature Positive means Dawson has pledged to halt and reverse Nature loss so that species and ecosystems start to recover. Dawson will work to restore species and microhabitats harmed by the impacts of the College and its activities.

How to Participate

1. 1. Download the free iNaturalist app on your mobile phone, tablet or device (available on Google Play or the App Store)
   2. Create your account
   3. Join the community named Dawson College – Campus Biodiversity Network Project
   4. Start posting on the Dawson campus!

Tips for posting to iNaturalist

• Include a picture, date, location and identification. If you are unsure of the species you have spotted, email your image to sustainability@dawsoncollege.qc.ca for help
• Upload multiple pictures from various angles to showcase different features
• Make sure you are choosing a location within the Dawson campus city block. For your post to count towards the 1,000 species goal, your location needs to be within the Dawson campus city block
• Keep looking through the seasons and the stages of each season

The species count can include all forms of life in all outdoor spaces, including the grounds and rooftops, on Dawson’s city block: plants, insects, invertebrates, bacteria, algae and animals.

Three project goals

• • Pedagogical: Teach people about the world around them. Learn about species and the ecosystem services they provide.
  • Sustainable: Use this project to provide microhabitats for species in our urban landscape.
  • Social: Bring people together, and collaborate. Get people outside and appreciate Nature.