Help document plants and wildlife at Blackwater Creek!
Skip the crowds and explore nature this Thanksgiving weekend while helping document plants and wildlife at Blackwater Creek Preserve.
Give "thanks for the outdoors" this Thanksgiving weekend by joining us for a community BioBlitz at Blackwater Creek Preserve from 9 AM to 3 PM. As the holiday season encourages us to reflect on what we value most, this event offers an opportunity to connect with nature, spend time outdoors, and help document the remarkable biodiversity that makes our community unique. Participants will work together to document the preserve's biodiversity by observing and recording plants, animals, fungi, and other organisms using the iNaturalist platform.
Learn about the local ecosystem
Whether you are an experienced naturalist or simply curious about the natural world, this event provides an opportunity to learn about local ecosystems while contributing valuable ecological observations. Attendees are encouraged to explore the preserve at their own pace and document as many species as possible throughout the day.
An optional scientific and safety orientation will be offered at 9:30 AM. This brief session will introduce the goals of the BioBlitz, demonstrate basic observation and data collection methods, and review important field safety information. Participants who choose not to attend the orientation may arrive later; however, all participants must check in with event staff before entering the preserve to receive event information, confirm participation, and review safety requirements.
Stay for the whole event or come for just part
Participants are welcome to attend the entire event or join for any portion of the day. Please wear comfortable outdoor clothing and closed-toe shoes, and bring water, sun protection, and a smartphone with the iNaturalist app installed. More information can be found on the registration page.
Recommended for: Families, students, nature enthusiasts, photographers, birders, citizen scientists, and anyone interested in learning more about local wildlife and ecosystems.
Things to know
- Cost: Free
- Registration is required
- Check in with staff at the trailhead kiosk
- Weather related cancellations possible
- No rain checks available for cancellation
- No minimum age, but under 18 must be accompanied by adult
- No maximum amount of participants
- Some hiking will be involved
Things to bring
- Closed-toe shoes (required)
- Water in refillable container (required)
- Cell phone with iNaturalist installed (required)
- Binoculars
- Bug spray
- Camera
- Hat
- Snacks
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
Contact
For more information email Rebecca Winch or call (813) 210-7019.