In this immersive two-day program, you will acquire the skills necessary to host a successful BioBlitz survey and utilize the collected data for effective land management.
The course is designed for local land managers, biologists, non-profit organizations, and NGOs who wish to encourage community participation in biodiversity conservation and make informed decisions based on scientific data.
This event will train you to host a Bioblitz for National Public Lands Day (4th Saturday in September, Annually), National Invasive Species Awareness Week (February/March, Annually), or many other conservation-minded celebrations.
Program Summary
Session 1 (In-Person, July 19, 9 AM – 12 AM, Location: TBD) focuses on the logistics of organizing a
BioBlitz, using the iNaturalist app, and taking high-quality observation images. Participants will also learn how to teach these skills to volunteers and set up a “Project” in iNaturalist.
Session 2 (Hybrid, Sept. 27, 2:30 PM – 4 PM, Extension Office in Bartow) of the course concentrates on curating and verifying the data collected during the BioBlitz.
- In-person participants are welcome to bring their devices and work on their actual data with hands-on assistance.
- Virtual participants will see a screen share of the instructor’s screen and will be able to participate in all aspects of the training.
Our interactive sessions will demystify the process of hosting a BioBlitz, ensuring that the event is not just engaging for participants, but also yields high-quality data that contributes to global biodiversity databases.
By the end of the course, participants will have the tools necessary to engage their community in conservation efforts and make data-driven decisions for sustainable land management.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand the concept and importance of a BioBlitz, and learn the logistics of hosting one.
- Gain proficiency in using the iNaturalist app for data collection and setting up a “Project”.
- Learn techniques for taking high-quality observation images and teaching these skills to volunteers.
- Develop skills in curating and verifying the data collected during a BioBlitz.
- Understand how to interpret the data and use it effectively for land management decisions.
- Promote community engagement in biodiversity conservation.
FDACS CEUs
- Session 1: 1 CORE 482/487
- Session 2: 1 CORE 482/487
CEU participants must attend the session in its entirety and provide their license number during registration. CEUs will be registered electronically on behalf of the participant, via Florida’s Department of Agriculture and Consumer Service’s CEU website: https://ceu.fdacs.gov/
Register now
Cost: $10 -$17.98
To see more Polk extension events, check out our new Eventbrite page at: https://PolkCountyExtension.eventbrite.com
University of Florida IFAS Extension is committed to diversity of people, thought and opinion, to inclusiveness and to equal opportunity.
UF/IFAS Extension is an Equal Opportunity Institution.
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