How a BioBlitz Can Help Your Conservation Efforts — Episode 071

On this episode of Open Space Radio, we are talking about
BioBlitzes. And the only thing more fun than saying “BioBlitz”
may be actually participating in one. A BioBlitz is an event
where your community can visit your park and identify the
different wildlife species in that area. It provides an
opportunity for people to understand and learn about the various
species in that area, and also provides critical data and
information to the staff who manage those lands.


As you encourage people in your community to get outside, stay
active and connect with nature, a BioBlitz is the perfect
opportunity to not only explore local parks, but also learn about
the natural wonders around them. It can even be a COVID-19 safe
activity as BioBlitzes can be structured to allow people to visit
the park on their own. It may even inspire future generations of
environmental stewards.


On today’s episode, we’re honored to be joined by the creator of
the BioBlitz, Sam Droege. Droege is a Wildlife Biologist for
Patuxent Wildlife Research Center in Maryland. We’re also excited
to be joined by Brett Johnson, an Urban Biologist for the Dallas
Park and Recreation Department.


We discuss how the BioBlitz came to be, what it looks like today,
and how it is an important tool for creating ecologically
beneficial habitat in local parks and for protecting species that
are at risk. Droege shares how he has left the BioBlitz
untrademarked and open for public use since its creation, and how
local park and recreation professionals can use BioBlitzes for
environmental conservation, community engagement and education.
Johnson shares how these events have been beneficial in Dallas.


Tune in to the full episode below to hear our full conversation
and learn:


How a BioBlitz helps land managers gain important insights
about the species in their own parks and public spaces.

Tips for park and recreation agencies considering hosting a
BioBlitz.

How using technology — such as mobile apps like iNaturalist —
everyday people from all over the world can help inform the
efforts to preserve and conserve threatened species.

The most interesting things Droege and Johnson have found
during their own BioBlitzes.

The future of the BioBlitz, and more!



Interested in learning more about BioBlitzes? You can also sign
up to host a Parks for Pollinators BioBlitz this September in
your own community and receive tools to help you plan a virtual
event with physical distancing in mind. If your agency signs up
to host a BioBlitz during the month of September, not only will
you be helping raise pollinator awareness, you will also be
entered to win a $1,000 prize and one of three ScottsMiracle-Gro
prize packs to help with your pollinator habitats or programs!