BioBlitz is Back!

This free, family-friendly conservation & environmental education event – led by some of our region’s premiere nature and wildlife experts –  is a chance for people from all backgrounds to be introduced to citizen science and safe recreation in the outdoors. At a BioBlitz, scientists, families, students, teachers, and other community members work together to get a snapshot of an area’s biodiversity. Enjoy connecting to nature and discovering new critters while contributing to scientific data collection on local biodiversity.

Fun Fact: The last BioBlitz at this location was almost 10 years ago, making this a rare opportunity to gather new data on the park’s changing ecosystem.

WHEN: May 3-4, 2025

WHERE: Oak Mountain State Park

• Stay overnight and continue surveying under the stars!
• Tent camping is available (South Trailhead Field)
• Lodging options are available through OMSP. (bookings)

Check in at BioBlitz Headquarters when you arrive: South Trailhead Field

As you enter the park, tell the gate attendant that you are here for BioBlitz and you will not have to pay park entry.

Register HERE for free!

We’ll email you a detailed schedule, a map of points of interest, and other helpful information in advance of the event.

What is a BioBlitz?

At a BioBlitz, scientists, families, students, teachers, and other community members work together to get a snapshot of an area’s biodiversity. This BioBlitz will bring local scientists, educators, conservation organizations, and community members together to build an awareness of the biodiversity within local ecosystems while collecting useful scientific data. Teams of volunteers will work with onsite experts to find and identify as many species of plants and animals, on land and in the water, as can be found on this special site.

What will we be documenting and how will it be recorded?

With your help, we will be documenting a variety of species, including:

• Birds and mammals
• Fish, mussels, and aquatic macroinvertebrates
• Reptiles and amphibians
• Insects and arachnids
• Plant species, lichens and fungi
• Water quality

We will record observations using iNaturalist or good old pen and paper.

iNaturalist is a FREE online database and smart phone app that allows users to upload and share photos of living things that they observe in nature. It helps users to identify their own observations and share them with their community, connecting people to nature and advancing biodiversity science and conservation.

To participate in the BioBlitz, anyone can use their smart phone to take a photo of a living thing at Oak Mountain State Park on the day of the BioBlitz, and upload it to iNaturalist using either the smartphone app or the website.

We recommend using the app and downloading the app and setting up your free account ahead of time. This will give you a chance to check it out and practice uploading observations. Also, cell service can be spotty in some areas of the park, so you may not be able to download it there. Don’t worry–you can still record observations in the app even if you don’t have phone service. They will sync next time you connect to the internet.