A BioBlitz, also written without capitals as bioblitz, is an intense period of biological surveying in an attempt to record all the living species within a designated area. Groups of scientists, naturalists and volunteers conduct an intensive field study over a continuous time period.
As part of Celebrating the 20^th Anniversary of Trails, Open Space and Parks (TOPS), we have rallied our partners to provide opportunities to the public on Friday, July 14 and Saturday, July 15.  See  below and register for some or all of the sessions…

JULY 14, 2017

Moth Blacklighting  …  A white light, plus a blacklight, plus a sheet at night equals moths and other fascinating nocturnal insects.  Who knew?!  Help us find unique “bugs” that could easily represent new species records for the county, if not the state.  Bring your curiosity, a jacket to keep warm, long pants and closed-toe shoes, plus water and snacks. . We will deliver the rest.

• 8:30 pm-12:00 am  (Limited to 20)  Activity Number 9386        Be on time. The gates close at 8:45 pm.

Moth Backlighting … For a private or small group session: A white light, plus a blacklight, plus a sheet at night equals moths and other fascinating nocturnal insects.  Who knew?!  Help us find unique “bugs” that could easily represent new species records for the county, if not the state.  Bring your curiosity, a jacket to keep warm, plus water and snacks.  We will deliver the rest.

• 8:30 pm start (Limited to 5)  Activity Number 9387        Be on time. The gates close at 8:45 pm.

JULY 15, 2017

Mammal Release … Many animals live in our open spaces unseen, Join the scientists as the elusive mammals captured overnight are released. Long pants and closed toe shoes are requried.

• 8:00-9:30 am (Limited to 20)  Activity Number 9388

Bird Hike … Join Aiken Audubon Society members for a bird hike in Blodgett Open Space during the city’s first bio-blitz. Please dress for the weather. Bring binoculars, water and wear long pants and comfortable hiking boots.

• 7:30-9:30 am (Limited to 15)  Activity Number 9389

Native Plants in your Home Garden … Walk with a Corral Bluffs Alliance master gardener to find which native plants will enhance your garden and withstand severe conditions of our local plains ecosystem.

• 9:30-10:30  am (Limited to 15)  Activity Number 9399

Mycology Walk with the Experts …  Walk with the experts as they identify the fungi in the forest. Note: Does not include edible fungi. Long pants and closed-toe shoes are required.

• 9:15-10:15 am  (5)  Activity Number 9390

Jimmy Camp Creek Overlook and Loop Hike …  Take a walk to where the forest meets the plains, where the creek meets the desert. Enjoy the hidden valley of Jimmy Camp Creek. Long pants and closed-toe shoes required.

• 10 am-2 pm  (15 per (4) 1-hour walks, each begins on the hour until 1 pm) 
  • 10 am Activity Number 9395
  • 11 am Activity Number 9396
  • 12 pm Activity Number 9397
  • 1 pm Activity Number 9398

Be a citizen scientist with your smartphone …  Technology in nature? Learn to use your smartphone to help document the species in our open spaces. Compete with others to see who can find the most species. Take a walk with the RMFI citizen science team to learn iNaturalist. Please download the iNaturalist app before arrival.

• 10 am  (Open)  Activity Number 9393
• 11 am  (Open)  Activity Number 9393

Insect Collecting …  Insects are the most diverse organisms on Earth.  There are over 940 species of bees in Colorado alone, for example.  Join us as we search for the “smaller majority” with cameras, nets, magnifiers, and more.  Learn the techniques used by professional entomologists including “sweeping” and “beating” (it’s not what you think).  You are guaranteed to have an entertaining and educational experience, and walk away with a new-found appreciation of all things “bug.”

• 10:30-11:30 am (Limited to 15)  Activity Number 9391
• 12:30-1:30 pm (Limited to 15)  Activity Number 9392

To register, click here and use the Activity Number above.  All activities are no cost, but do require a person/family to establish an account in the secure registration site.