Attend BioBlitz

NPS

Attend the BioBlitz Biodiversity Festival hosted at the Tucson Mountain District Red Hills Visitor Center

Public Programs

Activities will occur mostly out our Base Camp at the Red Hills Visitor Center in the Tucson Mountain District (west), Saguaro National Park, but also at peripheral sites around the Park. Activities include presentations about biodiversity, structured field exercises for K-12 classes, demonstrations of field technology, and exhibits ranging from global biodiversity to local nature photography.

There will be opportunities to work with a scientist in the field, collecting and inventorying biological resources in the Park. Spaces are limited, so sign up before the event. Registration will start in September. Please check back for the registration link.

For Teachers

Teachers are you looking for a new and exciting opportunity to get students connected with science in the field? Sign up your students to meet and work directly with scientists to help observe, inventory and list as many species as possible in 24 hours. Get your class involved.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the address of the BioBlitz? How do I get to the BioBlitz?

The BioBlitz Festival will be happening at the Red Hills Visitor Center in the Tucson Mountain District (west) of Saguaro National Park. The address is 2700 N. Kinney Rd, Tucson AZ. Parking will be available off site at Old Tucson Studios and a shuttle will take you to the event (free of charge).

2. What is the cost per person?

There is no cost for admission or parking

3. Will there be food available?

There will be food vendors available to purchase food

4. Where can I stay overnight? How can I reserve camping spots?

Tucson, Arizona has a wide range of hotels and motels to choose from. There is no camping for the public in the Park. Camping at Gilbert Ray (Pima County) will be available first come, first serve. Camping in the backcountry at the Rincon Mountain District (east) will be closed to the public the week of the BioBlitz for event purposes.

5. How do I register my group such as scouts, youth or fraternity on an inventory?

To have your group go out together, you can register up to five people including yourself for spots on inventories. If you would like to register more than five people, additional leaders or chaperones will need to register for themselves and the remaining youth participants. Space is limited on inventories so it will be hard to accommodate large groups. We advise that larger groups focus on "Base Camp" activities at Red Hills.

6. What is your recommended mode of transportation?

We highly recommend carpooling whenever possible. There will be off-site parking at Old Tucson Studios from 8am-4pm both Friday and Saturday, so please allow time for shuttle service to the Park. Handicap shuttles will also be provided.

7. How old do you have to be to participate in the BioBlitz?

Any age will do, as long as you are interested in the biodiversity of the Sonoron Desert and Saguaro National Park!

8. If I don't register, can I still attend?

Yes, there will be ongoing activities at "Base Camp" including nature walks, talks, entertainment, booths, and much more. There will also be inventory teams located at Base Camp at Red Hills that will be open for registration on a first come, first serve basis. No registration is required for Base Camp activities or the Celebrate Biodiversity Festival from 1pm-5pm on Friday and 9am – 5pm on Saturday.

9. What types of inventory team activities will be available?

The types of inventory team activities will depend on the species that teams are trying to find and document. Different groups will look for plants, invertebrates, mammals, microbes, fungi, etc. Teams will search from 1 hour to up to 4 hours if you are attending a remote inventory. We recommend that you mix inventory team activities with a visit to "Base Camp," where there will be a variety of demonstrations, entertainment, and learning opportunities.

10. Can I choose which inventory activity I want to do in advance?

Other than inventories happening outside of the Base Camp, which require advance registration, inventory team opportunities will be selected (early) on site, based on availability. We will have a variety of options for people and will try our best to meet everyone's needs and wishes.

11. If I have a mobility issue such as using a wheelchair, can I still participate?

Yes, although many of the inventory teams will be on trails that may make participation challenging. That said, Base Camp will be fully accessible and provide a rich biological experience.

12. How can I help in preparing for the BioBlitz? Can I volunteer before the Event?

Yes, BioBlitz volunteers are being called BioBlitz Ambassadors. They are needed before, during and after the event and are crucial to the success of BioBlitz. For more information and to sign up

13. Won't we scare all the animals away if we have a bunch of people all working on the same day?

We have been coordinating things very carefully to tread lightly and will spread teams far and wide. Teams will be limited in size and some sensitive locations will only be inventoried by scientists trained to work without disrupting the environment.

14. What should I wear?

You will be outside and in the field, so you should dress accordingly. Layering is highly recommend to make you most comfortable. You should also wear a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen to protect you from sun exposure. Wear sturdy shoes if you plan on using the hiking trails or joining a survey group. The weather could be anything in Tucson during October, anywhere from 90 degrees to the mid 60s.

15. What if it rains or there is bad weather? Will you have a rain date?

Nature happens despite the weather. The event will take place rain or shine.

16. How do I volunteer as a scientist?

Scientist registration is open through August 19. Learn more about what a BioBlitz scientist does and what the options are.

17. How can teachers get their class involved in participating?

There are limited spaces, but a waiting list will be created, and depending on scientist participation we will be able to host more school groups. Visit the BioBlitz Teacher Page (link)

18. What is the Saguaro BioBlitz web site address?

www.nationalgeographic.com/bioblitz For specific park information go to www.nps.gov/sagu 

19. When is the last date that I can register to participate?

Advance registration is only necessary to reserve a spot as a school group, participate at Rincon Mountain District (east) and some inventories away from the Base Camp at Tucson Mountain District (west). Space is limited and reservations are likely to fill up quickly. On-site registration will be available for the inventory teams around Red Hills Visitor Center and field stations in Tucson Mountain District (west). Note no registration is required for Base Camp activities and the Biodiversity Festival. 

20.  I would love to come, but can't. Will there be anything online to help me virtually experience BioBlitz?

Yes! There will be posting on social media such as Facebook and Twitter. There will be postings and podcasts on National Geographic's website as well as their FieldScope, an online Geographic Information System where you can watch where things are being discovered, view pictures and watch in real time as biological discoveries get identified. There will also be media coverage from a local television station. The National Park Foundation will be hosting their Electronic Field Trip which will be covering the event through a televised broadcast from the Park featuring rangers and local youth, and host website lesson plans and games for teachers, students and anyone who wants to participate. 

21. Is it open to the public?

Anyone who wants to come is welcomed to! 

22. When is the BioBlitz and what are the hours?

The BioBlitz event starts on Friday October 21st at 9 am and ends Saturday October 22nd at 5pm.

23. Can I bring a stroller, wheelchair, backpack?

Yes to all three. Things might get crowded and you will be taking a shuttle to and from Base Camp, concentrate a much as you can for easy mobility.

24. Can I bring my dog? Can I bring my dog on a leash?

Pets are not allowed, only service dogs are permitted.

25. Do you have seating?

There are many places for seating; Main Stage, shade tents with picnic tables, an auditorium and a second stage with seating.

26. Do you have restrooms at the event site?

Yes there will be temporary and handicap accessible restrooms

27. Do you serve Alcohol? Can I bring Alcohol?

No alcohol will be served and no alcohol will be permitted to exist at and during the event

28. Can I bring my own food?

Yes, you are more than welcome to bring your own food. Please no glass containers. There will be shade tents with picnic tables at Base Camp