High Park
Caterpillar
Survey
‟Doing citizen science when the sun goes down”
Species recorded to date:
164
A brief history
Back in July 2020, to keep active during the Covid lockdowns, long-time naturalist Richard Aaron invited a friend to search for caterpillars in Toronto's High Park, which was close to where each of them lived. This 399-acre (161-hectare) urban park contains several natural areas, which offered good potential. At the end of that season, interest remained high, so it was decided to turn it into a multi-year survey whose goal was to document the diversity and abundance of caterpillars in the park. As the survey has grown, so too has the number of participants. The survey always welcomes new volunteers.
About the founder
Richard's involvement with High Park stretches back more than two decades. This includes founding the High Park Moth Study (2016-2020), which recorded 1085 species of moths. He also leads UV walks at the annual public High Park Moth Night, has conducted over two dozen adult workshops for the High Park Nature Centre (mushrooms, wildflowers, trees & shrubs), has led walks for High Park Walking Tours, given presentations to the High Park Stewards, and wrote an interpretive sign (Predator on the Wing) for the High Park Natural Environment Committee, which stands next to Grenadier Pond.
Join the survey
We are always looking for new volunteers - no experience necessary. You can find more details here.
Survey location
HIGH PARK
(Toronto, Ontario, Canada)
- see map below -