Wyoming BioBlitz
WyomingBioBlitz
July 23- 25, 2021 | An annual community science program run in conjunction with the Nature Conservancy and Audubon Rockies.
The Biodiversity Institute, Audubon Rockies, and The Nature Conservancy host an annual 24-hour BioBlitz event in which teams of scientists, teachers, volunteers, environmental educators, and community members join forces to find, identify, and learn about the local plant, insect, and animal species as possible.
The Annual Wyoming BioBlitz is Co-hosted by Audubon Rockies, The Nature Conservancy, and the UW Biodiversity Institute.
What Is Wyoming BioBlitz?
In-person Wyoming BioBlitz is back! This year it will be held at The Brinton Museum in Big Horn, Wyoming, on July 23- 25, 2021. Discover a Wyoming gem, survey wildlife, and have a blast with your family and friends!
The Wyoming BioBlitz is a free, one-of-a-kind opportunity for families, students, and all nature-lovers to learn about plants and wildlife and help scientists survey them. During this weekend-long event, participants will team up with biologists to search for and document as many plants and animals as possible at The Brinton Museum.
New this year is a service project. Participants will plant 75 to 100 young cottonwood and willow trees along Little Goose Creek on the Quarter Circle A Ranch (home of The Brinton Museum). Due to extensive browsing by herbivores like white-tailed deer, seedlings from native trees struggle to grow into mature trees here. Help us improve the health of this ecosystem by planting tree saplings and protecting them from browsing with fencing!
Also new this year are optional pre-BioBlitz workshops that will be held on the afternoon of July 23. After registering for BioBlitz, you will be sent a link to register for the pre-workshops. Be sure to open your confirmation email!
Download the full schedule here.
Only 100 spots are available; register here!
You can also participate virtually here.
Why Participate in Wyoming BioBlitz?
If you’re reading this, you probably already know how fun and exciting it is to notice new or uncommon species around you. Wyoming BioBlitz feeds that sense of curiosity and discovery by encouraging people to observe everything around them, from the moose to the millipedes. By dedicating some time to looking for new species, you’re also likely to learn about wildlife you didn’t even know about.
Wyoming BioBlitz is also a great opportunity for families to spend time together doing something out of the ordinary. No level of expertise is needed, which means family members of all ages can enjoy a weekend of exploring nature and the biodiversity in it.
Participating in Wyoming BioBlitz also contributes scientific data that are useful to scientists and conservationists working to study and protect Wyoming’s wonderful plants and wildlife.
Finally, Wyoming BioBlitz provides a hands-on opportunity to learn from experts. Participants will meet local scientists and learn how they study their subjects. Teachers can also receive two Professional Standards Teaching Board (PTSB) credits for participating.
How Do I Participate in Wyoming BioBlitz 2020?
Camping, Food, and Water
On-site camping is available at no additional cost. Please bring all necessary camping supplies, including tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, and camp chairs. You may order meals when you register or bring your own food. Note that dinner is not provided on Friday or Sunday.
Running water is available but you will need to bring reusable water bottles and other containers for your water use.
Bathrooms are available on site. Portable toilets will be made available at survey locations when possible.
Coronavirus
We are planning to hold Wyoming BioBlitz in-person this year due to the declining coronavirus cases, increasing vaccine ability, and outdoor setting of this event. We will be monitoring the situation as the date approaches, and we will ultimately follow Wyoming’s health recommendations. If you are uncomfortable with attending in-person, we hope you’ll participate virtually.
PTSB Credits
We offer two Professional Standards Teaching Board (PTSB) credits for teachers participating in Wyoming BioBlitz. To receive credits, you must be a PTSB-certified teacher, sign up for the credit by contacting Dusty Downey (ddowney@audubon.org, 504-453-4124), and participate in all activities during the event.
FAQs
1. What types of surveys will there be?
The types of inventory activities will depend on the species that the scientists are trying to find and document. Different groups will look for birds, fish, plants, invertebrates, mammals, microbes, fungi, etc. Some will be land-based; others will require wading in shallow water.
2. Who can participate?
Everyone! Children can participate in inventory activities, but they must be accompanied by an adult. There will also be activities just for children. Teachers can earn 2 PTSB credits.
3. If I have a mobility issue such as using a wheelchair, can I still participate?
Yes, although many of the survey teams will be on trails that may make participation challenging.
4. What should I wear?
You will be outside and in the field, so you should dress accordingly. Layering is highly recommended to make you most comfortable. You should also bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen to protect you from potential sun exposure. Wear sturdy shoes if you plan on using the hiking trails.
5. What happens if it rains or there is bad weather?
Nature happens despite the weather. Wyoming BioBlitz will take place rain or shine.
Pricing
Registration is free. You may purchase optional t-shirts, meals when registering.
Adult shirts are $15.00. Youth shirts are $10.00
Lunches: $12 adult / $8 kids:
Sandwich (choice of white or whole wheat, ham or turkey, cheddar/swiss/provolone), cookie, and fruit or chips.
Available for Saturday and Sunday
Dinner: $20 adult / $15 kids:
Choice of beef, chicken, or pork with 3 sides (biscuits & honey, apple-orange slaw, baked beans) and cobbler dessert. Beef option will come from an Audubon-certified ranch (Lohof Meats)
Available Saturday night
Breakfast: $10 adult / $8 kids
Buttermilk pancakes, bacon, egg bake, and toast.
Available Sunday morning
Event Organizers
Wyoming BioBlitz 2021 is co-hosted by Audubon Rockies, UW Biodiversity Institute, The Nature Conservancy in Wyoming, The Brinton Museum, Sheridan Community Land Trust, ScienceKids, Wyoming Wilderness Association, Wyoming State Parks, Wyoming Game and Fish Department, Wyoming Natural Diversity Database, and the US Fish and Wildlife Service.
Registration is Closed for 2021
Register for free to receive updates and instructions for participating in Wyoming BioBlitz 2021, a statewide virtual community science event.
The Annual Wyoming BioBlitz
Audubon Rockies hosted the first BioBlitz in 2008. The Biodiversity Institute joined as a partner in 2014 and has been involved ever since. The BioBlitz is a 24-hour event in which teams of scientists, teachers, volunteers, environmental educators, and community members join forces to find, identify, and learn about as many local plant, insect, and animal species as possible.
Mission
The Annual Wyoming Bioblittz brings together scientists and the public to survey for every type of organism we can find in an area within a couple of days. The BioBlitz will be a weekend-long event in which teams of scientists, teachers, volunteers, environmental educators, and community members join forces to find, identify, and learn about as many local plant, insect, and animal species as possible.