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BioBlitz
Blitzin’ Through Biodiversity: Spot It, Snap It, Log It!
Calling all nature nerds and wildlife whisperers!
It’s time to dive into the great outdoors and blitz your way through the local flora and fauna. With your detective hats on and devices in hand, let’s hunt down critters, plants, and fungi like pros. Ready, set, BioBlitz!
Before you start
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Don’t forget to make sure all young people and adults involved in the activity know how to take part safely
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Make sure you’ll have enough adult helpers. You may need some parents and carers to help if you’re short on helpers
- Be careful when looking under logs and similar for dangerous animals
What you'll need
- Smart device
- Notebook
- Pen or Pencil
- Comfortable clothing
- Sunscreen
- Bug spray
- First Aid kit
What is a BioBlitz?
A BioBlitz is a fun, fast-paced activity that encourages Scouts to explore their local environment, discover biodiversity, and learn about the ecosystems around them.
Using smart devices, Scouts will capture photos of plants, animals, and fungi in their area, analyze the data, and gain a deeper appreciation for nature.
By hosting a BioBlitz, Scouts gain hands-on experience as citizen scientists. They not only learn about the natural world but also contribute valuable data to conservation efforts.
Planning your BioBlitz?
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Choose a location such as a local park, nature trail, or backyard with diverse flora and fauna.
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Ensure the area is safe, accessible, and Scout friendly.
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Explain the goal - Document as many different species as possible in 60 minutes.
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Emphasize the Leave No Trace principles:
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Don’t disturb wildlife.
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Avoid trampling plants.
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Take only pictures, leave only footprints.
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Demonstrate how to:
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Use the app for identification.
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Take clear, focused photos.
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Record notes if not using an app.
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Start exploring
- Begin exploring your area with your devices or notebooks.
- Be sure to explore all around the area. Look under logs, on tree trunks, and in the sky, and capture a variety of organisms, from insects to plants.
- Optional: Work in Patrols for a collaborative challenge.
- Provide periodic time updates (e.g., “30 minutes left!”).
- Bring everyone together after the BioBlitz and share your favorite discoveries.
- Discuss any interesting or rare organisms you have found.
- As a Group, analyze your findings. Look at:
- The number of species identified.
- Patterns (e.g., where certain organisms were found).
- Surprises or unexpected discoveries.
- Use apps or online resources to learn more about common or unique species.
- Once you have collected everyones data, record the Group’s findings in a shared document or poster, including:
- A species count.
- Photos or drawings.
- Fun facts about the biodiversity of the area.
Change the challenge level
- Ensure everyone stays within sight of Leaders and follows safety protocols.
- Challenge Scouts to capture different types of organisms (not just flowers!).
- Younger Scouts can focus on common species; older Scouts can tackle harder-to-find organisms.
- If it rains, consider a virtual BioBlitz using online nature cams.
Reflection
This activity was about learning observation skills and connecting with your local environment.
- What did you enjoy most about the BioBlitz?
- What did you discover that you didn’t know beforehand?
- Why is biodiversity important for the environment?
- How can you help protect their local ecosystems?
