The Canadensys network<\/a> collects, stores and shares data on plant, animal and fungal species in Canada. The network is part of the Canadian Biodiversity Information Facility<\/a> and the Global Biodiversity Information Facility<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cThis allows us to be connected to herbaria in Canada and around the world,\u201d says Vasseur. \u201cThis means the possibility of greater exchange.\u201d<\/p>\n Vasseur says she has used herbaria across Canada and the United States.<\/p>\n \u201cThey have been useful to prepare maps of where certain species are located. This is often the best way to know because you cannot always travel across the country and the world for these kinds of things,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n Herbaria are an important source of information for researchers, students and others who study biodiversity and support conservation efforts. The specimens act as a reference point for plant identification and composition.<\/p>\n Scientists can even use small pieces of the samples to examine the plant\u2019s genetic makeup.<\/p>\n Several botanical gardens contain herbariums such as the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens. The Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority also takes inventory of plant species.<\/p>\n Vasseur and her team of students will be working with groups such as Niagara Land Trust over time to collect more specimens.<\/p>\n \u201cNiagara is quite data poor on species inventories and monitoring, including plants,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n \u201cBrock University, along with several local organizations, envisions itself as a leader in improving our understanding of plant diversity in the region and therefore aims at becoming the official specimen depository for the region.\u201d<\/p>\n
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