July 29, 2023 | York River State Park | 10:00-4:00
Event is free | Parking is $5 (free with state park pass)
Open to individuals of all ages (under 18 require a guardian) and all skill levels.
CSWCD, in partnership with the Historic Rivers Chapter of the Virginia Master Naturalist program, and the NASA GLOBE program is organizing a BioBlitz at York River State Park to celebrate World Nature Conservation Day. The event is open to individuals of all ages (under 18 require a guardian) and skill levels, welcoming both seasoned nature enthusiasts and newcomers eager to learn about the natural world.
As participants explore the park's different habitats, they are encouraged to observe and document any living organisms they encounter and to upload their photographs to a specific iNaturalist project using the iNaturalist mobile phone application (iPhone | Android). All of these photographs and notes will be stored in the iNaturalist database and the data will then be available to scientists and to the park. You will also have the opportunity to observe and document cloud formations for the NASA GLOBE program using the NASA GLOBE Observer mobile phone application (iPhone | Android).
We will also have passports for all interested participants that include an assortment of plants, animals, and fungi to try and locate while you are in the park. For each organism you observe you will receive a stamp in your passport and if you finish your passport you will win a prize! There will be a special prize for the first person who completes it and there will be prizes and giveaways for other activities.
In addition to species surveys, the BioBlitz will offer other engaging activities throughout the day, including:
macroinvertebrate sampling and identification
plant identification
discussions about the the wide world of pollinators and how to make a pollinator habitat
seine netting in the York River to observe the marine life
osprey life history
bird identification
amphibian and reptile identification
discussions on the invasive species in the park
insect sampling and identification
and more!
The event fosters a spirit of collaboration, as participants are encouraged to share their findings and knowledge with each other. Experts and volunteers are readily available to assist in species identification and provide insights into the ecological significance of the park's diverse flora and fauna.
We will be equipped with aquatic and aerial nets, trays for observing specimens, aquaria, magnifying glasses, field guides, and other basic tools, but we suggest bringing whatever you think will help you the most, including field guides and binoculars.
At the end of the BioBlitz, all the data collected by the participants is compiled in iNaturalist and analyzed. This valuable information contributes to the ongoing research and conservation efforts at York River State Park. It also helps to create a better understanding of the park's biodiversity, identify important species and habitats, and inform future management and conservation strategies.
The BioBlitz at York River State Park is an exceptional opportunity for individuals to immerse themselves in nature, deepen their understanding of the local ecosystem, and contribute to scientific knowledge. It promotes environmental awareness, community engagement, and a sense of stewardship towards the natural world.
We need to know how many people will be attending, so that we can be properly prepared, so please do take the time to sign up:
York River State Park
9801 York River Park Rd,
Williamsburg, Virginia 23188
