Bioblitz FAQs

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Bioblitz Frequently Asked Questions

• What is a bioblitz?
  

  The goals of a bioblitz are to observe, document, and identify as many species of plants, animals, fungi, and other organisms as possible in a specific area over a specific period of time. The Anacostia bioblitz focuses on the Anacostia River watershed, an area of 176 square miles in DC and Maryland. This information is useful for scientists, educators, conservationists, land managers and other people. It helps inform conservation and restoration actions to protect species. Our bioblitz uses the free iNaturalist application, a social network for mapping and sharing biodiversity information around the globe. Our bioblitz happens annually in the late summer-fall from Thursday to Sunday, it is watershed-wide, however, we do offer at least one public educational event that is organized in collaboration with professional naturalists, educators and scientists and where people can learn from these experts.

• Is the Anacostia River Bioblitz family-friendly?
  Yes, traditionally bioblitzes were conducted by biologists and expert naturalists. Over the years and especially with the advent of iNaturalist they have become a powerful educational tool to engage the general public in community science. Our Anacostia bioblitz is geared towards families and people new to biodiversity and willing to learn about our wild urban/suburban neighbors.

• How is  the Bioblitz different from a scientific inventory?
  In a bioblitz anyone can participate in making observations/records of species using the app, regardless of whether you are a professional in the field (biologist, environmental scientist, etc.) or not. Some people will focus on making observations, other people will focus on making identifications of those observations. And other people with expertise may do both. 

• How long will the Bioblitz last?
  

  From Thursday September 5th to Sunday, September 8th. 

• Where can I make my observations?
  Anywhere within the boundaries of the Anacostia River watershed in parts of DC, Prince Geroge’s County and Montgomery County (see the map below). 
  
  

• How do I record my observations?
  By downloading the free iNaturalist application. You can make observations on the spot, or you can take pictures and upload the observations at the end of the day, or anytime before September 18th when we will launch the bioblitz results on social media. You may also use other cameras, including professional cameras and then upload your observations from your laptop.

•  Are there specific areas of the watershed that I should focus on?
  This map shows the 4 gaps in the Anacostia watershed that could use more observations.

• I have expertise in identifying organisms. How can I help?
  

  Making identifications is a crucial part of our bioblitz and any expertise in making identifications is greatly appreciated before September 18th when we will launch the bioblitz results on social media. Use this guide from iNaturalist. 

• How do I refine observations stuck at a high taxonomic level?
  Use this resource from iNaturalist.
  
  
• What are licenses? How can I update the licenses on my content?
  

  This is an important issue that even experienced iNatters don’t know about. If you want your observations to be more useful to science and be part of larger scientific data repositories read this carefully. Basically the “No license (all rights reserved)” is the least useful option for sharing your data with the scientific community. Which is OK if you just want to keep your observations to yourself.   

You can also follow our main project, Biodiversity of the Anacostia River on iNaturalist: https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/biodiversity-of-the-anacostia-river

If you have any questions prior to the event, please contact Jorge Bogantes Montero at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 301-699-6204 ext. 118.