Local Travel Features

LBL Offers Free BioBlitz Program This Spring

March 31, 2021 | Press Release from Friends of LBL

Murray State University’s Watershed Studies Institute (WSI) and the Friends of Land Between the Lakes are teaming up once again to host a Spring BioBlitz at Land Between the Lakes (LBL) National Recreation Area from April 1 – May 31, 2021. This citizen science activity invites participants to visit Land Between the Lakes to document sightings of wildlife and plants throughout the spring season. The BioBlitz uses an app called iNaturalist, and will help compile up-to-date information about the natural community in LBL.

All that is needed to participate is a smartphone or digital camera and a willingness to spend some time in LBL. Participants will take photos of observations such as insects, birds, wildflowers and more, and upload them to the LBL Spring BioBlitz project page on iNaturalist. Participants can search for “Land Between the Lakes Spring BioBlitz” in iNaturalist, or go directly to the page at: https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/land-between-the-lakes-spring-bioblitz

The iNaturalist app is a free download, and there is no fee to participate.

The BioBlitz offers outdoor enthusiasts, students and home-educating families a COVID-friendly activity for the spring season. Not only is it an opportunity to get outside and learn through exploration, but it is also a chance to contribute to a scientific project.

Dr. Howard Whiteman, Professor of Biological Sciences and WSI Director, said "A BioBlitz is a great way to engage the community in citizen science, learn about nature and get outside for some socially-distanced fresh air, particularly during a pandemic. We are also very hopeful that the observations collected by the participants will help LBL biologists and land managers make more informed conservation and management decisions in the future, and perhaps spark new research opportunities for Murray State students, staff and faculty members as well."

For more information or questions about participating, please contact either the Woodlands Nature Station at mlindstrom@friendsoflbl.org or LBL's Volunteer Coordinator at volunteer@friendsoflbl.org.

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