What is a BioBlitz?
A BioBlitz is an event where biology experts and volunteers gather to collect, identify, and catalogue every living thing on a demarcated property in a 24 hour period.
The Upper Delaware BioBlitz took place on the Highlights Foundation campus on the last weekend in June, and it was exciting to open our campus to the local community! On Friday, 8 teams of scientists and amateur naturalists gathered at noon to begin their collection of every unique species of plant, animal, fungus and lichen they could find in 24 hours. Some teams, like the Mammal Team looking for bats and the Insect Team looking for night flying insects, worked through the night.
On Saturday the public was invited to come and they met the scientists, saw what they collected, learned about their work, went on walks and participated in workshops. There were art activities and performances for kids to learn about science in different ways. There were 200-300 visitors including 50 kids!
Results taken from the Upper Delaware BioBlitz Facebook page (where you can also see more photos):
2024 Upper Delaware BioBlitz Preliminary Counts 6/30/24
Birds 67
Botany 173
Bryology 61
Fish 10
Fungi 37
Herps 15
Invertebrates 340
Mammals 17
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Total 720
It was a wonderful celebration of nature, a community gathering, and a powerful reminder of the beauty and complexity of the natural world. Enjoy these photos of the weekend, taken by David Soete.
