The Bioblitz Event
The UF/IFAS Extension St Lucie County conducted a “UF Extension Butterflies and Wildflowers Bioblitz” on September 14, 2023, 2023 from 8:30 AM – 11 AM at the Steven J. Fousek Preserve in St. Lucie County, FL. A team of intrepid explorers ventured over a mile into the preserve to observe and identify the species of wildflowers in bloom and butterflies that crossed their path. Hosts were UF/IFAS Natural Resources Extension Agent Ken Gioeli and Urban Horticulture Extension Agent Kate Rotindo.
So what is an iNaturalist bioblitz anyway?
iNaturalist is a powerful geomatics application that empowers users to make observations that can contribute to biodiversity science. During this iNaturalist bioblitz event, participants used the app to catalog the butterflies and wildflowers on site. We ventured out on the trails at Steven J. Fousek Preserve to observe and learn about butterflies and wildflowers. Participants then uploaded their observations to the iNaturalist app on their phones.
Results
Bioblitz Results can be found on the iNaturalist project page. In total, observers uploaded observations of 160 butterflies and wildflowers during the bioblitz event at Steven J. Fousek Preserve. Cloudless sulfurs, white peacocks, giant swallowtails and queen butterflies were some of the butterflies observed and uploaded to the project.
The Steven J. Fousek Preserve is located at 7793 State Hwy 613 (Carlton Road), Port St. Lucie, FL 34987. Extension programs are open to all persons without regard to race, color, sexual orientation, sex, age, disability, religion, or national origin. People seeking accommodation can make requests two weeks prior to start of the event.
Important Links
Ask IFAS: Lepidoptera (butterflies, moths) (ufl.edu)
Steven J. Fousek Preserve | St. Lucie County, FL (stlucieco.gov)
UF Extension Butterflies and Wildflowers Bioblitz · iNaturalist
Blog Keywords: butterflies wildflowers Fousek Preserve
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