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2017 BioBlitz Events

There's a fungus among us! Get up close and personal with an array of mushroom species at Glacier National Park's first Mushroom BioBlitz!

NPS

Have your heard of bioblitzes, but never joined one? Have you wanted to get involved in citizen science, but haven't had the time? Well, here's your chance! This summer, the Crown of the Continent Research Learning Center (CCRLC) is hosting two BioBlitzes, the Waterton-Glacier Mushroom BioBlitz and the Waterton-Glacier Butterfly BioBlitz.

Loosely defined, a BioBlitz is an event where public participants and scientists work together to document the biodiversity of a specific location. In 2017, our citizen science program will work with scientists to identify mushrooms and butterflies in Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park. These are day-long events with plenty of opportunity for those of varying ages and skill levels. All you need is a willingness to help observe as many species as possible!

Waterton-Glacier Mushroom BioBlitz

Come join us for Glacier National Park's first Mushroom BioBlitz! This one-day event will be held on Friday, June 9, 2017 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The event ends at 5:00 p.m., but participants may leave at anytime during the event. This is a great opportunity to work alongside taxonomic experts to document and learn about Glacier's mushrooms and other fungi.

We will be using the iNaturalist app to record our observations in the field. The app is free to download on Apple and Android devices and is a great way to participate in citizen science. For more information, check out iNaturalist's video tutorials.

Participants must register to attend the event. For more information about the Mushroom BioBlitz and to register, visit our registration page.

Waterton-Glacier Butterfly BioBlitz

Glacier National Park is excited to join Waterton Lakes National Park this year in identifying butterflies throughout the park. Join butterfly experts to help catch, identify, and count Glacier's butterflies at various locations within the park. The Butterfly BioBlitz will take place in Glacier on Monday, July 10, 2017. Waterton's Butterfly BioBlitz will take place on Tuesday, July 11, 2017.

We will be using the iNaturalist app to record our observations in the field. The app is free to download on Apple and Android devices and is a great way to participate in citizen science. For more information, check out iNaturalist's video tutorials.

Participants must register to attend the event. For more information about the Butterfly BioBlitz and to register, visit our registration page.

Glacier National Park iNaturalist BioBlitz May-October 2017

In addition to the opportunities above, all interested visitors can help Glacier National Park with our wildlife & plant inventories and phenology monitoring. Participants are encouraged to document unique wildlife and plant sightings within Glacier using a free iNaturalist app on their mobile devices. Participants can also take photos, note the location and date, and upload reports from their home computer.

Anyone can sign up online for an iNaturalist account at http://www.inaturalist.org and look at iNaturalist's video tutorials to learn how to use the application. Because cell coverage is limited in the park, the app should be loaded before visiting the park. Observations can be taken in the field, and submitted when cell or wifi coverage is available.

Users can join the iNaturalist project Glacier National Park BioBlitz 2017, available May 1 through October 31, 2017. Visitors with experience in species identification can also visit the project and assist with confirming identifications. No formal training is required, but questions can be directed to [e-mail] or 406-888-7986. Learn more at: http://www.inaturalist.org/projects/glacier-national-park-bioblitz-2017

Paperwork Reduction and Privacy Act Statement

OMB Control Number: 1024-0275

Paperwork Reduction and Privacy Act Statement: The National Park Service is authorized by 54 U.S.C. 100702 to collect this information. This information will be collected through iNaturalist during BioBlitzes and other NPS citizen science events. The purpose is to find and identify as many species of plants, animals, and other organisms as possible in or around National Parks so that these occurrences can be documented. The data will be used by the NPS to better understand which species occur on its lands and where those species occur. Response to this request is voluntary. No action may be taken against you for refusing to supply the information requested. The permanent data will be anonymous. An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number.

Burden Estimate: Public reporting burden for this form is estimated to average 5 minutes per response. Direct comments regarding the burden estimate or any other aspect of this form to: Simon Kingston (970-225-3551); or Phadrea Ponds, NPS Information Collection Review Coordinator.