Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
What is the National Coordinated BioBlitz?
The National Coordinated BioBlitz is a number of rapid biodiversity assessments that are hosted by college campuses across the country during the month of April. Through collaborations with the Ecological Society of America and the EarthTrek citizen science web site scientifically useful data is collected and analysed. This effort is equally important to the communities that are being reached by the event. Participants will take guided walks through locally important areas searching to identify as many species as possible, as well as meeting with other active community members that will connect the experience to the importance of environmental stewardship and current political issues facing the environmentally conscience community.
Why a BioBlitz?
A BioBlitz is an excellent way to produce a baseline survey of species in a local area. The event also serves to connect with the local community to foster care for native biodiversity.
How does my campus get involved?
First consult the BioBlitz Quick Guide and the Campus Organizer Packet. Direct further questions to bioblitz@esa.org.
To register please this online form.
What issues might I face when choosing a location?
It is important to choose a location that is accessible to the community, with amenities like parking and restroom facilities. Also important to think about is electricity and a central planning area for the event. Some locations of interest may be managed by a governmental agency or house an endangered or threatened species. In this case it is important to use this target species to strengthen the visibility of the BioBlitz; however, you must communicate early on with the governmental agency and collaborate with experts who will be best able to identify the target species while minimizing disruption to individuals or the habitat.
What media tools are available to me? What time frame should I use them?
Media tools can be found here.
You will find a logo, sampling fliers, a general promotion flier, a powerpoint to use when conducting a class rap (2-3 minute pitch before a lecture), and press releases for use when communicating to the media. These tools may not all be uploaded immediately, but will certainly appear as they become necessary. If there is something you expect to see posted but do not, please contact bioblitz@esa.org.
What do I do in an urban setting?
Remember to accentuate your strengths. Urban ecology does not have much in the way of small mammals or birds to identify, but a public park may prove a useful area to identify herbaceous plants (weeds) and insects that are able to survive in the city. Also, use the plethora of community-based organizations that might be interested in getting involved, or even have a location they would like surveyed. Think about the tools you have to offer and approach the groups that don’t have the tools, but may have the desire to engage with their local biodiversity. Students at Redwood High School are conducting a BioBlitz in their urban garden in order to increase the likelihood that they can successfully petition for funding for a creek restoration whose overflow threatens their garden.
What if I don’t have expert scientists?
“Expert scientists” for the purposes of the BioBlitz are willing and able naturalists who can adequately identify species within a major taxonomic group (birds, mammals, woody plants, insects, etc.) and have the communication skills to lead a walk of about six individuals and teach them the techniques required to identify species. Many BioBlitzes have had teams of faculty members, community naturalists, and graduate students acting as “expert scientists.” There is a field on the sampling sheet to identify how knowledgeable is the identifying scientist.
Who do I get involved?
In short, every one and anyone you can. Target NGOs, community naturalist organizations (Audubon Society), and other student groups to help you organize the event.
How many people do I need to have a BioBlitz?
All you need is yourself, an “expert scientist” if you aren’t one yourself, and the network of SEEDS chapters that will help you along. It is important to have as many chapters involved as possible to increase our visibility and outreach capability. You have friends to help you succeed. All we need from you is the commitment, a few hours, a location, and the desire to search for wildlife.
How much do I have to survey?
You should survey for as many major taxonomic groups over as large an area as possible. However, make sure that you do not stretch yourself too far. We will be announcing a scientific method with three tiers of commitment so that you can identify what is feasible to accomplish at your campus with your resources. We do ask that you follow the protocol for your identification level, so we can standardize the results. Regardless, we DO NOT want the sampling protocol to deter you from participating in the BioBlitz. Please contact bioblitz@esa.org to discuss this issue if it is what is keeping you from joining the effort.
What is a legitimate budget proposal for the Campus Funding Application?
It is important to identify that you have preconceived expenses to use the funding provided by the Ecological Society of America. These CANNOT include travel or student pay. Acceptable items to request funding include: American Red Cross First Aid Team, lighting, tent rental, PA system rental, food for volunteers, advertising (banners, buttons, etc.), and event materials (fliers, t-shirts, prizes, etc.).
How do I get binoculars or other needed materials for identification?
The great part about hosting a BioBlitz on a college campus with department involvement means that many of these materials are immediately available to you. Identify a professor or staff member that you work closely with or know somebody to refer you and ask for the help. It would be smart to first explain clearly what the event is trying to accomplish, that it is a part of a greater effort, and ask for their involvement as an “expert scientist.” They would then be inclined to bring their own gear when guiding the walks during event day. Regardless, asking for help or for sampling tools within your university should be your first step before considering renting these items.
What if I have other questions?
Feel free to send any further questions to bioblitz@esa.org. You should expect a personalized response within 24 hours of email receipt.
