2019 BioBlitz Events

A small, grey bird with yellow on its face, sides, and rump perches on a conifer branch.
In the West, yellow-rumped warblers live in middle elevation conifer forests. They are often spotted perched on the outer limbs of tees or pursuing passing insects.

NPS Photo/Jacob W. Frank

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 year, the Crown of the Continent Research Learning Center (CCRLC) is hosting two BioBlitz events—the Alpine Bird BioBlitz and the Fall Fungus BioBlitz.

Loosely defined, a BioBlitz is an event where public participants and scientists work together to document the biodiversity of a specific location. During the Alpine Bird BioBlitz, our citizen science program will work with wildlife biologists to determine the detection or non-detection of twelve alpine bird species within a specific area. This day-long event focuses on generating a baseline list of current species and where they are found, helping us to monitor any future changes that may occur with a changing climate.

The Fall Fungus BioBlitz teams up participating volunteers with mycologists to identify as many species of fungi as possible during this two-day event. This year, we will focus on understanding the biodiversity of fungus in Glacier National Park's old growth forest. Glacier's old growth forest is currently facing changes due to increasing frequency and severity of wildfires as well as from changes in precipitation and snowpack.

Small, chunky-shaped bird with brown back and smudge spots on white breast.
One of the twelve bird species surveyed during the Alpine Bird BioBlitz, the hermit thrush is a medium-sized thrush found in a variety of habitats such as pond edges and mountain glades.

Cornell Lab of Ornithology Photo

Alpine Bird BioBlitz Details

Come join us for Glacier National Park's second Alpine Bird BioBlitz! This is a one-day event held at designated locations within the park. Participants should expect a full day of hiking and birding. This is a great opportunity to work alongside expert birders to document and learn about Glacier's alpine bird species, some of which are species of concern.

  • Date: Friday, July 19, 2019
  • Time: 6:30 a.m. start time for all hikes. End times will be variable with some hikes lasting into late afternoon/early evening. Note: In addition, one late start hike (9:00 a.m.) will be offered to Hidden Lake.
  • Hiking Ability: Participants should be able to hike moderate to strenous trails.
  • Requirements: Birding experience preferred. Binoculars are required.
  • Participants must register to attend the event. If interested in attending, contact e-mail us for registration details.
Close up photo of a wavy, light-brown fungus.
There are roughly 200 species of known fungi in Glacier. During our spring 2017 Mushroom BioBlitz, 92 species were added to this list! Who knows how many new species we'll find during the Fall Fungus event!

NPS Photo

Fall Fungus BioBlitz Details

Join us for Glacier National Park's first Fall Fungus BioBlitz! This event will be held at designated locations within the park. Participants should expect a full day of walking/hiking and searching for fungi. On the second day, we will continue the search, but also begin the process of identifying species. This is a great opportunity to work alongside expert mycologists to document and learn about Glacier's unique fungal species.

  • Date: October 12-13, 2019
  • Time: To be announced.
  • Hiking Ability: All abilities are welcome!
  • Participants must register to attend the event. If interested in attending, contact e-mail us for registration details.

Last updated: May 13, 2019

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