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In response to requests for activities that get youth outdoors, the Center for Great Lakes Literacy (CCGL) launched the Sea Grant Great Lakes BioBlitz. This annual project promotes awareness of the Great Lakes Literacy Principles, while encouraging an appreciation of and connection to the Great Lakes ecosystem. The goal of the Sea Grant Great Lakes BioBlitz is to get as many participants as possible from the Great Lakes Basin to come together during this four week period and post photo observations in iNaturalist of as many wild, living things in their area as they can find!
Do you BioBlitz?
Do you BioBlitz?
Photo credit: C. Fisher
What is a BioBlitz?
What is a BioBlitz?
A BioBlitz is an event to observe, identify and record as many different, non-domesticated species as possible in a given area over a set period of time.
Participating in a BioBlitz is a perfect opportunity for youth to engage in an outdoor activity, learn about biodiversity, participate in environmental stewardship, and celebrate Earth Day!
'Blitz with the Basin!
'Blitz with the Basin!
While a BioBlitz can happen anywhere at any time, the Sea Grant Great Lakes BioBlitz specifically targets the Great Lakes Basin each spring for 4 weeks.
The Sea Grant Great Lakes BioBlitz always starts on
April 22nd (Earth Day) and ends May 20th.
Participation is open to residents of the Canadian provinces and U.S. states within the Great Lakes Basin!
The Sea Grant Great Lakes BioBlitz will remain open for submissions from April 22 to May 20, but you can join in the fun any day! Take an afternoon to explore and document some wildlife in an area, or pick a location to return to weekly, or set a goal to find something new every day.
Getting Started with the Sea Grant Great Lakes BioBlitz
Getting Started with the Sea Grant Great Lakes BioBlitz
Join us for the Sea Grant Great Lakes BioBlitz in 3 Easy Steps!
Join us for the Sea Grant Great Lakes BioBlitz in 3 Easy Steps!
1. Visit iNaturalist and create a free account or login to an existing account.
2. Sign up for the 2023 Sea Grant Great Lakes BioBlitz project!
3. Make observations and upload them! Take a picture or record some audio with iNaturalist and it will automatically be included in the 2023 Sea Grant Great Lakes BioBlitz if it matches the project's requirements.
Need some help getting started?
Need some help getting started?
Check Out these BioBlitz and iNaturalist How-To Resources:
Check Out these BioBlitz and iNaturalist How-To Resources:
iNaturalist provided Educator's Guide
Change Geoprivacy Settings in iNaturalist (important if you are working with youth)
Take better photos for iNaturalist identification with these Nature Photography tips
Resources for Taking Students Outdoors
Educator Tools
Educator Tools
While a BioBlitz is a great way to teach biology-related subjects, it also offers creative and immersive opportunities for educators to provide hands-on lessons in a variety of other core subjects. In past years, we have highlighted connections to math, geography, poetry and art. In 2023, we focus on biodiversity and phenology.
Check out some of our BioBlitz related teaching resources:
Check out some of our BioBlitz related teaching resources:
Biodiversity - Biodiversity refers to the variety of living species on Earth, including plants, animals, bacteria, and fungi. Connect the Sea Grant Great Lakes BioBlitz with biodiversity studies to learn about how everything is connected.
More to do with iNaturalist - Explore other iNaturalist projects or create your own!
Nature Journaling - Combine language arts, creative arts, science, reflection, and data collection offline in a nature journal.
Nature Journaling - Combine language arts, creative arts, science, reflection, and data collection offline in a nature journal.
Phenology - The study of the timing of plants and animal life cycle events. Through phenology studies we can see patterns emerge that tell the story of how biodiversity and climate change are linked.
Phenology - The study of the timing of plants and animal life cycle events. Through phenology studies we can see patterns emerge that tell the story of how biodiversity and climate change are linked.
Join us for our free Sea Grant Great Lakes BioBlitz Webinar!
Join us for our free Sea Grant Great Lakes BioBlitz Webinar!
Engage Youth and Community in Science with BioBlitz, iNaturalist, and Research
Engage Youth and Community in Science with BioBlitz, iNaturalist, and Research
Wednesday, April 12, 2023
Wednesday, April 12, 2023
4PM - 5:30PM CST
4PM - 5:30PM CST
Presented on Zoom
Presented on Zoom
Register and attend this webinar to learn about the Sea Grant Great Lakes BioBlitz and iNaturalist, and hear from Dr. David Drake, a professor of wildlife biology and an expert on urban wildlife management, wildlife damage management, and general wildlife. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information on how to join the webinar.
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