What is a BioBlitz?

During a BioBlitz, people work together to find and identify as many species of plants and animals as possible in a specific area over a short period of time. Submission of observations for the BioBlitz of the Lafitte Greenway will be accepted for three full days: Friday, May 10 through Sunday, May 12.

Purpose of the BioBlitz of the Lafitte Greenway

The purpose of the 2024 BioBlitz of the Lafitte Greenway is to document, for the first time, as many of the species living on the Greenway as possible. The data from the BioBlitz will help the Greenway’s managers plan the park’s natural and developed features, protect important habitats, and advocate for the Greenway’s importance.

Who can participate?

All activities are free and open to the public. All ages are welcome (children should be accompanied by a guardian). No prior knowledge or experience is necessary. You do not need to pre-register for the nature walks or art project, just come to the designated meeting point at
the start time.

What should participants bring?

We recommend wearing closed-toed shoes and sun protection and bringing water and a smartphone. It is a good idea to download iNaturalist in advance (see instructions below).

iNaturalist

Data will be tabulated using iNaturalist. Participants will be encouraged to download iNaturalist
on their smartphones and post photos of the species that they observe to the project entitled
“Lafitte Greenway BioBlitz 2024.” You can learn how to download the app and create an account here: https://www.inaturalist.org/pages/getting+starte
And learn how to make an observation here: https://vimeo.com/162581545

Those who opt not to use a smartphone will record their observations on paper data sheets.

Species identification

Participants will canvas the Greenway to find as many unique species of life as possible during the72-hour period. Although the emphasis will be on observing species and taking their photos (if possible), the LMNGNO will provide resources for identification including the iNaturalist and Seek apps, on-site experts, and a library of field guides during the main session on Saturday. Participants will be welcome to search in any part of the Greenway, at any time, and for any types of life that they choose. However, participants can also join scheduled searches for specific types of life which will be led by local experts.