As published in the Banff Crag and Canyon, May 10, 2000

Unique Web site identifies animals, plants

A unique web site is up and running to help budding and experienced naturalists identify or record all the common plants, birds and animals of the Rocky Mountains.

MountainNature.com allows people. to use book-like tools on-line to identify species and then follow up with a database record that biologists can use in their research to help preserve wilderness.

Professional naturalist Cameron Ward (oops they got my name backwards) said the new website can help with scientific research, adding that as more and more developers cast their eyes on the Rockies more pressure falls upon scientists.

"Unfortunately these scientists are drowning under shrinking budgets and an ever-present lack of resources, financial and otherwise," says Cameron.

"At the same time we have millions of people passing through the mountains every year. If we can record these visitor experiences and make this information available to scientists, then perhaps we can bridge the money gap." he says.

Those who click onto www.MountainNature.com can learn 10 secrets to becoming an expert naturalist, access simple tools to identify 241 different plants, 196 birds and 48 mammals native to the Rockies.

They can also search for recent sightings and record observations so participating scientists can use their sightings to help with research in the Canadian Rockies. For example, information could be used by the Eastern Slopes Grizzly Bear Project or the Federation of Alberta Naturalists.

Cameron says because there is a need to keep quiet some sightings to protect sensitive species, such as wolves, harlequin ducks or grizzly bears, sightings can be recorded, but the exact location won't be revealed. That way, he says people can be confident that recording a grizzly bear sighting won't promote a bear jam. Should you wish, the exact location could be made available to researchers.

Cameron says the success of MountainNature.com depends on educating people to the fact this is a valuable resource and on getting the researchers on board, too.

"The best way we're going to take care of the parks and the natural areas is to make sure people understand, and that is basically what I do as a naturalist," he says.

Cameron has written four books on western Canada and has another book A Natural History and Field Guide to the Canadian Rockies (Altitude Publishing) to be released soon.

For more detailed information on the website and how it can be used, click onto www.MountainNature.com.