(cross-posted from: https://mander.xyz/post/2859577)
Edit: Added the city of Plantation.
There’s the following BioBlitz events in state of Florida next month: (links go to their iNaturalist projects)
- Markham Park (special event: September 2, 10am ~ 12noon) (observations also count for City of Sunrise)
- City of Plantation (in Plantation Preserve Linear Trail and Golf Course) (special event: September 9, 9am ~ 11am)
- Quiet Waters Park (special event: September 9, 9am ~ 11am)
- City of Sunrise (special event: September 9, 10am ~ 1pm, at Sawgrass Sanctuary)
- Miramar Pineland (special event: September 13, 9am ~ 12noon)
- Central Broward Regional Park (special event: September 23: 9am ~ 11am)
- Delray Beach (in Old School Square Park)
- Palm Beach County
- Pinellas County
I don’t know when the last three are having their special events (if any); check with their parks or local government calendars. But the BioBlitz events last the whole month so you can still participate even if there aren’t special events!
Not sure what this is all about?
A “BioBlitz” is an event where you go around and make observations of wildlife all around you using the citizen science app/website iNaturalist.
Every September, the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) runs the “Parks for Pollinators” BioBlitz, which involves a bunch of such events across the US, lasting the whole month, and focusing mainly on plants and the animals that pollinate them (mainly insects and birds) in local parks. But, with an iNaturalist account, you can record observations of any sort of living thing you want, anywhere, as much as you want, anytime.
The umbrella project page on iNaturalist for NRPA’s BioBlitz events is linked at the top. I looked on its map and found all the projects for BioBlitz events in Florida. Hopefully, there’s one near you!
They all last the whole month, but some of them have special events on specific days. I’ve listed the ones I know of. But, of course, you can go to these places anytime in September to participate. (Or just make observations on iNat anytime, anywhere.)
If you want to participate, you’ll need an iNaturalist account, and any relevant observations you make in participating locations will automatically be counted in applicable projects. If you join the project, its badge will also appear on your observations that are part of the project! (Feel free to ask questions about how to join/use iNaturalist.)
Update: the city of Plantation has just added an event!
Project: City of Plantation note: only covers Plantation Preserve Linear Trail and Golf Course special event: September 9, 9am ~ 11am
Again, note that the project covers the whole month, even though the special event is on a particular day.