San Juan Islanders and visitors throughout the region will have the opportunity to work along side scientists in tallying the flora and fauna during the park's third annual (and special Centennial) BioBlitz scheduled May 20-21, 2016. Park venues and processes to be announced.
A BioBlitz is a unique combination of taxonomic inventory, public outreach, and science education. At its core, the BioBlitz is species inventory in which teams ofvolunteers, each led by an expert scientist, find, identify, and photograph as many species as possible within a 24-hour period.
This snapshot view helps uslook at many different habitats over the same time period, and better understand what lives in the park.This year's focus will be on amphibians and pollinators, though the event is open to any taxonomic interest. The park is looking for field biologists, naturalists, and taxonomic experts to participate in the BioBlitz. But even if you don't have scientific expertise,come along anyway and learn while doing.
We also need volunteer photographers, computer wizards, people wranglers and coffee makers.
"The success of a BioBlitz depends greatly on the knowledge and enthusiasm of theparticipants," said Raena Parsons, park education specialist."Comejoin us and share your knowledge." Counting activities will be supplemented by guided botony, bird and art walks throughoutthe day. Stay posted for times and dates.
Registration will be through the National Geographic Society web portals. Stay posted to this site for more details. For information contact Raena Parsons at 360-378-2240, ext. 2222 or e-mail us.
How to Prepare for the BioBlitz
Go to the links below and at right on this page to find materials that may assist you in helping scientists who will be on site May 20-21. We've included plant identifications and a couple of National Geographic PowerPoint programs addressing observation and identification.
