Looking to get some fresh air and contribute to the local science community all at once? Well, now's your chance, as the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) is rolling out another year of BioBlitzes, packed with park adventures this August and September. Everyone's invited to chip in—experts, amateurs, and the plain curious alike—no Ph.D. required.
This series of BioBlitzes is all about those buzzing, fluttering wonders: insects, moths, and dragonflies, so get ready to dive into the underbrush or gaze skyward. Grab your magnifying glasses and binoculars, because it isn't just about taking a gander; participants will be chronicling the myriad of species hanging out in the regional parks, as reported by a recent bulletin from MPRB.
The Moth Nights are going to be a hotspot for the lepidopterologically inclined, with the assistance of Haleigh Ziebol, a freelance naturalist and moth buff of Wide Eyed Outside notoriety; events are scheduled for North Mississippi Regional Park and Minnehaha Regional Park. Plus, for those who have their sights set on something a bit more on the wing, Dragonfly Snag and Spy sessions will be a hit with the help of the Minnesota Dragonfly Society experts, ready to spread the buzz on how these aerial acrobats tick.
Mini BioBlitzes for insects also dot the calendar, where you can sweep up some six-legged friends in nets, get a close-up in a bug jar, and then let them scamper and flutter away back to their natural habitat. These hands-on experiences, crafted for all ages (though anyone under 14 needs an adult tagalong), are designed to offer a snapshot of the park’s diverse life. And it's not just about having fun; all that data you collect is a science goldmine, helping researchers paint a picture of local biodiversity, totally according to that same MRPB release.
So, if nature's call is more your ringtone, take a look at Minneapolis Park's BioBlitz events. It's a chance to indulge your inner naturalist, bump up that environmental IQ, and hey, maybe bump elbows with some of the insects you’re there to admire. To join in on the citizen science escapade, head to their website for more info and to sign up for the next BioBlitz.
