How are you planning to celebrate summer solstice?
If you are looking to connect with naturalists, scientists and other curious members of our community while discovering the incredible biodiversity found right here in Pagosa Country, then Archuleta County’s inaugural Bioblitz is just for you.
But, what is a bioblitz? According to Wikipedia, “a bioblitz is an intense period of biological surveying in an attempt to record all the living species within a designated area.”
It is a fun and relaxed community science event where experts, community members and volunteers work together to document and record the biodiversity of an area.
This year, participants in Archuleta County will explore the natural areas of Pagosa Springs along the San Juan Riverwalk and Reservoir Hill.
Our Bioblitz is a family-friendly event, and no experience is necessary. However, as a participant you will be expected to contribute to the data collection effort while learning about our natural environs.
Although prior knowledge of plants and animals can be helpful, it is not a requirement. Species information will be uploaded to iNaturalist, an online platform that provides a place to identify, record and organize findings in nature.
The collected information will provide a baseline knowledge of the land around us. The information collected will help scientists and community members track changes in biodiversity, monitor trends in local habitats, and identify newly arrived or rare species.
Our inaugural Bioblitz will bring the talents of incredible local and regional experts to lead us in identifying a variety of species.
We are excited to welcome Amy Dolan, endangered species conservation biologist with the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation. Dolan will lead our bee identification.
We are also thrilled that Dr. Colin Tucker, Ph.D., forest program director and ecosystem ecologist with the Mountain Studies Institute, will teach us about mosses and lichens.
Our local Weminuche Audubon Society volunteers will lead bird walks during the morning hours.
And the list continues.
The most important part of a bioblitz is to have fun.
Our Bioblitz is a family-friendly event and no experience is necessary. Participants must be 10 years or older, and youth under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
While this is not a strenuous project, volunteers should be prepared for walking on uneven terrain, through high grass, past thorny plants and in possibly muddy conditions.
The Bioblitz will take place from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on June 20.
The cost to participate in the inaugural Bioblitz is $25 per adult and $10 per student/child and includes dinner, T-shirt and a fun day of learning. Register by June 5 to receive a T-shirt.
To learn more and to register, visit https://secure.rec1.com/CO/pagosa-springs-co/catalog?filter=c2VhcmNoPTQyNjMyMzY= or email Cindi Galabota at cindi.galabota@colostate.edu.
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