Backyard Biodiversity Bingo: Winter Edition

How to play:

1. Look up any terms you’re unfamiliar with before you set out to explore. If you’d like, you can write down notes on your bingo card.
2. Visit an outdoor space, like your backyard or a nearby natural area. Remember to stay safe: dress for the weather, bring a grown-up if you leave your yard and be careful around water.
3. Look for the signs of biodiversity listed on the card. To support biodiversity, don’t remove anything from its natural habitat. Observe only—do not touch, feed or disturb the wildlife.
4. Move slowly and quietly for the best chance to see animals.
5. Cross off your observations on the bingo card as you go. See how many items you can find and compare with your fellow bingo players to see how many of you got five in a row—or maybe even a full card!

How does it work?

The word "biodiversity" refers to the variety of life in a habitat or ecosystem. Greater biodiversity means a habitat is supporting more living things. This variety indicates that the habitat is healthy and resilient.

What can you do to improve biodiversity in your neighbourhood? How can you help all life to survive and thrive during this time of year?

Add variety to your observations

• Revisit the area at a different time of day. What surprising things did you find? What changed?
• Check out another area with different natural features. Which area had more biodiversity? Why do you think that might be?

Is your bingo card full?

Create your own! Here’s a list to help get you started:

• Leaves that are waxy
• A diurnal animal
• A winter nature sound
• Tree bark with a papery texture
• A Black-capped or Boreal Chickadee
• An insect gall
• Animal signs: Bones, fur or scat