Join the Quest!
Fill out an application form below to be considered as a 2026 sampling site. Submissions will be reviewed before selection to ensure a balanced and representative network across Canada. Whether you’re a teacher, park manager, farmer, or nature enthusiast, your school or community site can help build Canada’s largest national insect biodiversity baseline.
March 31st for community sites
June 30th for schools
Contact bugquest@bioscan.life for more info
Late or unselected applications will be reviewed for 2027.
Learn locally. Contribute nationally.
Join the BugQuest community!
Why should you
Accept BugQuest?
Discover the insects in your neighbourhood — and take part in real science.
We want to invite communities to explore the insect biodiversity living right around them while contributing to real scientific research. By accepting BugQuest, you join a nationwide effort to better understand insect diversity, seasonal change, and ecosystem health across Canada.
What You'll Get
- A ready-to-use BugQuest Kit at no cost (valued at ~$1,000)
- DNA sequencing, data analysis, and shipping are also free
- Engaging learning materials for community groups and classrooms on insects, biodiversity, and DNA barcoding.
- Photos and names of the insects collected locally
- A view of how your site compares with others across Canada
What You Need to Do
Timeline
what is considered a
Community site?
Community sites are public or educational spaces that attract visitors and could benefit from learning about their local insect biodiversity, from pollinators and pest species to indicators of ecosystem health.
These sites often have an interest in citizen science, conservation, or environmental education, and can use the data to better understand how insects shape their habitats.
Examples include:
- Provincial and national parks
- Conservation areas and nature reserves
- Botanical gardens
- Zoos and aquariums
- Family-friendly farms
- Outdoor education centres and camps
Any similar spaces that connect people with nature.