Ever wondered what plants and animals inhabit one of Western New York’s last wilderness areas? Enjoy taking pictures? Want to easily contribute species data to the only up-to-date biodiversity inventory of Zoar Valley? Then the Zoar Valley Coalition’s BioBlitz 2025 is perfect for you! We’re even hosting an iNaturalist training webinar to help you get started.

WHAT IS A BIOBLITZ?

A BioBlitz is when citizen-scientists, naturalists, and volunteers get outdoors and document as many species of flora and fauna as possible in a natural environment over a set period of time. 

BioBlitzing is a way for us all to contribute to a better ecological understanding of a place. It also helps establish species baselines which, over time, help in monitoring changes, something especially important in these times of climate crisis and accelerated species extinction.

A BioBlitz can also help build a vital knowledge base of the rare and protected species present.

WHEN IS THE ZOAR VALLEY BIOBLITZ?

•           April 1 - June 30, 2025

•           “Introduction to iNaturalist” Webinar - March 24, 2025, 6:30 - 7:15 p.m. EST

•           The big goal is to keep on BioBlitzing from Spring 2025 – Spring 2027 to gather data over two seasons 

There will be PRIZES! The person with the most observations and the person with the most species uploaded between 4/1/25 - 6/30/25 will receive a Save Zoar Valley t-shirt or mug (your choice) from the Zoar Valley Coalition merch shop! The person with the most observations uploaded for the less explored Otto side of Zoar Valley will receive a Save Zoar Valley lawn sign!

WHO CAN JOIN IN?

Everyone! Citizen scientists, naturalists, professional scientists, volunteers, and community members of all ages can participate! No special skills are necessary. All you need is:

•           A smartphone or camera (with a fully charged battery)

•           The iNaturalist app downloaded to your phone (it’s free!)

•           Weather- and terrain-appropriate clothing and gear

•           Water and snacks

HOW TO GET STARTED

If you haven’t used the iNaturalist app before, please join host Joshua Klostermann, an entomologist currently conducting biodiversity research in Zoar Valley, for:

Introduction to iNaturalist – Zoom Webinar

Monday, March 24, 2025

6:30-7:15 p.m. EST

Register for the webinar here Meeting Registration - Zoom

The webinar recording will be posted here Zoar Valley Coalition - YouTube

Once you’re familiar with iNaturalist and have downloaded the iNaturalist app, head out to beautiful Zoar Valley on your own schedule to become a citizen scientist:

·       OBSERVE!  Take photos of plants, flowers, trees, mammals, birds, insects, fungi, and other organisms.

·       IDENTIFY!  Identification can be as simple as “fern” or “bee” or as precise as “Linnaea borealis (Twin flower).” It’s okay if you don’t know what kind of specimen it is; there are many experts on iNaturalist who are happy to help identify what you photographed.

·       SHARE!  Upload your photos to Zoar Valley BioBlitz! · iNaturalist

·       SHARE AGAIN!  Please post your photos to social media using #ZoarValleyBioBlitz

RESPONSIBLE CITIZEN SCIENCE:

Please stay on trails whenever possible and be mindful of not trampling flora or fauna. Please stay within the Zoar Valley Multiple Use Area/Unique Area boundaries and avoid trespassing or parking on private property. No collecting or disturbing flora and fauna and no feeding or handling wildlife. Please practice leave no trace principles.

The Zoar Valley Coalition thanks you for joining in!