Game, Fish and Parks challenges nature watchers to join BioBlitz

With group activities limited during the COVID-19 pandemic, South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) invites nature lovers to participate in a virtual BioBlitz June 13-28.

“A BioBlitz is an event that focuses on finding and identifying as many birds, insects and animal species as possible in a specific area over a short period of time,” said GFP education coordinator Taniya Bethke.

Anyone can observe and identify species statewide during the BioBlitz. Participants post their observations using the iNaturalist app under the project name #SDintheField.

iNaturalist helps identify plants and animals and connects over 400,000 scientists and naturalists to help users learn more about nature. Since user observations can be accessed by the greater scientific community, the app allows anyone to become a citizen scientist.

Participation in the BioBlitz is free to everyone. Learn more at gfp.sd.gov/bio-blitz.