Host a BioBlitz
A BioBlitz is a fun way of learning about the wildlife that lives near you. In essence, a BioBlitz is a wildlife scavenger hunt. Participants count as many different species as possible within a given period of time at a specific location. A BioBlitz can occur on school grounds, at a local park or even a National Park. The amount of time needed to conduct a BioBlitz depends on the size of the land being surveyed. Big BioBlitzes at National Parks are usually 24 hours long, but smaller events can be tailored to a school day or just an afternoon. It’s up to you!
The biggest BioBlitz in the country is sponsored by the National Park Service and National Geographic. It changes location every year, with the 2012 event occurring at Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado. At the 2011 event in Saguaro National Park, Arizona, 5,000 students, scientists, park rangers and volunteers participated, and they discovered several new species unknown to the park.
Why BioBlitz?
There are many benefits to attending or hosting a BioBlitz:
- Learn about your local biodiversity.
- Connect college students and professionals, scientists and biologists, to young people interested in science.
- Share wildlife photography.
- Strengthen inquiry and discovery skills.
- Help a park catalogue species for their research.
- Provide a fun, educational recreational activity.
- The data can be used for science and learning projects.
How Does a BioBlitz Fit with NPLD?
NPLD is supporting First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move Outside initiative to get families active outdoors. Along with hosting a volunteer project, sites are encouraged to include an educational component and activities to get kids moving.
Hosting a BioBlitz is a perfect opportunity to combine the themes of recreation and service together into one project. BioBlitz volunteers hike and wildlife watch through the park counting species as they go. The data they collect is extremely valuable to the park and their research.
A BioBlitz would be an exciting project for scout troops, because it teaches important skills, such as how to identify species and conduct a research project.
Consider hosting a BioBlitz for this year’s NPLD!
To Learn More About BioBlitzes:
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NPLD is a Friend to Friends Groups
Friends Groups are vital to the long term health and growth of public lands. NPLD supports Friends Groups through webinars, educational materials and the Every Day Grants program. Learn more about each of these opportunities in our resources section.
NPLD Supports Let’s Move Outside
Participating in NPLD is a great way to get the recommended 60 minutes of daily activity, while you lend a hand for public lands. Learn more about Let’s Move Outside and how NPLD is involved in the national movement.
