Become a Bioblitz Explorer in Durham

By: Caitlin Sasse, Recreation Coordinator for Outdoor Recreation and City Lakes

Ever been to a Bioblitz!? A bioblitz is a community science initiative to help catalog the biodiversity of a local area in a short period of time. Now's your chance to get out and explore nature at the Durham Bioblitz beginning Friday, April 29 through Sunday, May 8! This is a great way to connect with your environment while generating useful data for science and conservation while having fun!

This week of nature exploration is brought to you by an amazing partnership of organizations led by Ellerbe Creek Watershed Association and including the Eno River Association, Keep Durham Beautiful, NC Museum of Life and Science, Merrick-Moore Community Development Corporation and many more!

In partnership with Eno River Association, Durham Parks and Recreation is hosting Bioblitz on the Eno on Friday, May 6 at the Environmental Education Pavilion at West Point on the Eno starting at 5 p.m. Join us for a hike (or two) as we set out to find a variety of plant and wildlife in the River and the Meadow. Each hike is offered twice throughout the day, with the ability to attend both if your schedule permits. Preregistration is required and spots are limited! Visit ActiveNet to register today!

Want to take your love for Durham parks even further? Join the Red Maple Park Community for “I Love My Houseplants” Plant Swap on Saturday, May 7 from Noon until 2 p.m. at Red Maple Park. Bring houseplants and tropical plants of your choice to swap! The entire family is welcome to participate as there will also be fun locating and identifying insects and native plants in the park. Register online today!

You can be a Bioblitz explorer all year long! Head to your local park, nature preserve, or even your own backyard to discover the plants and animals living there! Simply download the free iNaturalist app and begin taking pictures of all the nature around you. Optionally, you can join the Durham Bioblitz to see all of the observations from fellow participants and learn even more about life in this watershed. Visit the Keep Durham Beautiful website for more information and details about upcoming in-person events.