Citizen Science: What is a Bioblitz? How Do I use iNaturalist?

In celebration of World Water Day join us for a Bioblitz at the Water Resources Education Center hosted by the City of Vancouver to make observations of the wildlife at the center. 

What is a Bioblitz?

A BioBlitz is an intensive survey that aims to document as many species of plants, animals, fungi, and other organisms as possible within a specific area and time frame. These events are typically organized by conservation groups, educational institutions, or community organizations and involve scientists, naturalists, volunteers, and members of the public.

During a BioBlitz, participants work together to identify and record species through various methods such as observation, photography, trapping, and specimen collection (if permitted and appropriate). The goal is to create a comprehensive inventory of the biodiversity present in the area, which can be used for scientific research, conservation planning, and public education.

BioBlitzes often include a range of activities such as guided nature walks, species identification workshops, hands-on demonstrations, and educational presentations. They provide an opportunity for people of all ages and backgrounds to engage with nature, learn about local ecosystems, and contribute to scientific knowledge.

BioBlitz events can take place in various habitats, including parks, forests, wetlands, urban areas, and even backyard gardens. By promoting public participation in scientific research and fostering a greater appreciation for biodiversity, BioBlitzes play an important role in conservation efforts and environmental stewardship.

Data collection using iNaturalist during the Bioblitz will be encouraged but not mandatory. Vancouver Bee Project hopes to encourage folks to use iNaturalist and add to our project in the application.

What is iNaturalist?

iNaturalist is a citizen science project and online social network where users can upload observations of plants, animals, fungi, and other organisms. These observations can include photographs, audio recordings, and notes about the species' behavior, habitat, and other relevant details.

The platform allows users to engage with a community of fellow naturalists, including experts who can help identify species. It also serves as a valuable database for scientists and researchers studying biodiversity and ecological trends. Users can contribute to scientific knowledge by sharing their observations and participating in various research projects and initiatives.

Overall, iNaturalist is a powerful tool for connecting people with nature, fostering a greater understanding of the natural world, and contributing to scientific research efforts.

There are several reasons why you might consider using iNaturalist:

1.     Contribute to Science: By sharing your observations on iNaturalist, you're contributing valuable data to scientists and researchers studying biodiversity, ecology, and conservation. Your observations can help identify species distributions, population trends, and other ecological patterns.

2.     Learn About Nature: iNaturalist provides a platform for learning about the natural world. Through the community's feedback and resources, you can improve your identification skills, deepen your understanding of different species, and learn about their behavior, habitats, and interactions.

3.     Connect with Others: iNaturalist has a vibrant community of nature enthusiasts, from beginners to experts. You can connect with like-minded individuals, share your passion for nature, and collaborate on projects and initiatives.

4.     Explore Your Surroundings: Using iNaturalist encourages you to explore and observe the biodiversity in your local area. Whether you're in a park, backyard, or hiking trail, there's always something new to discover and document.

5.     Contribute to Conservation: By documenting the species you encounter, you're raising awareness about the importance of biodiversity and the need for conservation efforts. Your observations can help inform land management decisions and conservation strategies.

6.     Get Species Identification Help: If you're unsure about the identity of a plant or animal you've encountered, you can upload a photo to iNaturalist and ask the community for help with identification. Experts and fellow users can provide feedback and help you learn more about the species.

Overall, iNaturalist is a powerful tool for citizen science, education, and conservation, and using it can enhance your connection to the natural world while making a positive impact on scientific research and conservation efforts.

HOW DO I USE INATURALIST?

Using iNaturalist is relatively straightforward. Here's a basic guide to get you started:

Create an Account: Visit the iNaturalist website or download the iNaturalist app from your device's app store. Create an account by providing some basic information, such as your name and email address.

Explore the Platform: Once you've created an account, take some time to explore the iNaturalist platform. You can browse through observations, species, and projects to get a sense of what the community is documenting and studying.

Make Observations:

• When you encounter a plant, animal, fungus, or other organism in nature, take a photo or multiple photos.

• Open the iNaturalist app or website and tap on the "Observations" tab.

• Tap the "+" button to add a new observation.

• Upload your photo(s) and provide details about the observation, such as the date, time, location, and any additional notes about the organism's behavior, habitat, or other relevant information.

• If you're unsure about the species, you can leave the identification blank or add a tentative identification based on your best guess.

Submit Your Observation:

• Once you've filled in the necessary information, tap "Submit" to upload your observation to iNaturalist.

• Your observation will then be shared with the iNaturalist community, where other users can help identify the species and provide feedback.

Identify Species:

• Explore other users' observations and help identify species that you're familiar with.

• You can add identifications to observations by clicking on the "Add ID" button and selecting the appropriate species from the suggestions or providing your own identification if you're confident.

Engage with the Community:

• Participate in discussions, join projects, and interact with other users on iNaturalist.

• You can follow other users, comment on their observations, and collaborate on research projects and initiatives.

Learn and Explore:

• Use iNaturalist as a tool for learning about nature and exploring the biodiversity in your local area.

• Take advantage of the platform's resources, including identification guides, species profiles, and educational materials.

By following these steps, you can start using iNaturalist to document and explore the natural world, contribute to citizen science, and connect with a community of fellow nature enthusiasts.

Join the Vancouver Bee Project iNaturalist Project and start making observations today!