This weekend a chance to snap pics of Canada’s wildlife

The Nature Conservancy of Canada is urging residents to get out this long weekend, and snap some pictures of wildlife wherever they see it.

It’s the fourth year of the Big Backyard Bio-Blitz. Now until next Monday, the group is asking Canadians to do their best nature photographer impression and take pictures of local flora and fauna.

It's intended to be a fun activity for the whole family and provides open source information for conservation purposes.

"We want Canadians to take pictures of whatever they see in terms of plant wildlife because it goes on this huge map,” said Andrew Holland, of the Nature Conservancy of Canada.

“And so it's exciting to be part of something big and it's exciting to see what other people are uploading. So it's a really informative thing for people of all ages.”

When uploading, participants can specify what's in their photo, or the website's AI will give suggestions.

One major way this helps environments across the country is by identifying invasive species.

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"By having the general public take pictures of this and upload it, this helps municipalities and levels of government understand and see where there (are) infestations of different invasive alien species and sort of get their heads around a management plan on how to try and remove that,” Holland said.

Last year, more than 9,700 Canadians took part in the Big Backyard Bio-Blitz, submitting nearly 60,000 images and observations.

Officials said the event has grown in each of its four years. To sign up, visit the Canada Nature Conservancy website.