Citizen naturalists invited on exploration ‘blitz’

What are you doing next weekend?

How about spending time outside on a quest for scientific knowledge? No science expertise is needed to participate; it’s for everyone.

A bioblitz — a widespread effort to gather data on all sort of species — is planned at national park sites, including many in northwestern Washington. All you need is a smartphone and the time to go outside and explore. (You can also use the program on the web, but the app makes it extremely easy.)

The National Parks BioBlitz is May 20 and 21 across the country. Parks are leading events, but you can also simply go out on your own and document what you find. Participants can use the iNaturalist app to record discoveries.

Here’s how it works: Use your phone to take a photo or write a description of a species you see. No idea what you’re looking at? No worries. Click a button to ask for help identifying it and other iNaturalist users will help. The app records the location the photo was taken. The data is collected to help scientists understand what species are present and where — as well as identify changes over time.

“I think it’s really exciting to allow the public to take part in big scientific endeavors,” said Holly Richards, outreach coordinator at Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve on Whidbey Island.

Here are events around northwest Washington.

Ebey’s landing: Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve — a partner with the National Park Service, as well as Washington State Parks, Island County and the town of Coupeville — will have events both days. There are education sessions and various bioblitz opportunities, including an all-day inventory of butterfly species. Other events focus on moths, bats or plants. For the schedule and to register: www.nps.gov/ebla.

North Cascades: Events on both days in North Cascades National Park include many group outings. Scientists will accompany participants to help them understand what they’re seeing. The bioblitzes focus on topics, ranging from moss and fungi to squirrels, exotic plants, birds and beetles. For the schedule and to register: www.nps.gov/noca.

Olympic National Park: The park has a variety of events both days. Some focus on moss, plants, pollinators and tree canopies. There will be a flashmob dance, storytime and guided walk for kids. For the schedule and to register: www.nps.gov/olym.

San Juan: The San Juan Island National Historical Park has events planned all day May 21. Volunteer naturalists will inventory plants, pollinators, birds and more. Other events include a biobliztz dance flash mob (learn the dance at vimeo.com/166239384) a native plant workshop, a reef-net fishing demonstration, canoe rides, marine invertebrate touch tank and other hands-on activities for kids. For the schedule and to register: www.nps.gov/sajh.

Seattle: This event brings science to the city. The Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park is teaming up with the Wing Luke Museum for a pollinator celebration on May 21. Family-friendly activities at the Danny Woo Community Garden and the Wing Luke will include story time, crafts, presentations by scientists, a showing of “Maya the Bee” and more. For details: www.nps.gov/klse.

Mount Rainier National Park: The park has an educational program at 4 p.m. Friday at Longmire. A wildlife biologist will talk about the importance of bats in the ecosystem. The park also has a number of other events planned, including outings with fourth-and-fifth graders on Friday and a number of events on Saturday with scientists (but spots for the Saturday program are already full). Of course, anyone is welcome to visit the park and use the iNaturalist app on their own. Details: www.nps.gov/mora.

Learn more