• Enjoying the Mississippi River

    Mississippi

    National River & Recreation Area Minnesota

BioBlitz!

Handling a common green dragonfly.

What is a Bioblitz?
A BioBlitz is an intensive 24-hour survey of life in a given area conducted by teams of scientists and citizens. But it more than just a scientific venture; it is also a fun and educational activity filled with adventure. Adults and children assist professionals as "citizen scientists," or participants can choose to simply observe. Teams conduct inventories of insects, mammals, birds, plants, reptiles, amphibians, mussels, fungi, lichens, and fish.

Presentations by scientists, naturalists, and other conservation educators take place throughout the day (and much of the night) describing the natural history of the area, including its plant and animal life. 

A Bioblitz is a great way to participate in science, to learn new skills, have new experiences, and to work with and observe highly skilled researchers in the field. Participants not only gain a better understanding of scientific research but also become much more acquainted with the surprising biodiversity in their local parks and the role those parks play in preserving that biodiversity.

See the Bell Museum of Natural History's website for more information on Bioblitz and get involved!

Did You Know?

Headwaters of the Mississippi

The Mississippi River is approximately three feet deep at its headwaters at Lake Itasca and has an average surface speed of 1.2 miles per hour.