Minneapolis parks are turning into a live-action version of a 'Where’s Waldo' of the animal kingdom. According to a bulletin from the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) posted last Friday, residents are invited to join the Fall BioBlitz events, where the focus is on birds and animal tracking.
This year, BioBlitz adventures are specifically tailored to families with children aged 6-12, and also welcome participants with diverse backgrounds, including BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities. The first event is set for Saturday, November 15, from 1:00 to 2:30 pm at North Mississippi Regional Park. And, for those early birds interested in birds, the Urban Bird Collective is organizing a Bird Walk on the same day from 9 to 11 am at Minnehaha Regional Park, with a mission to create "a welcoming and inclusive space that centers BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities," the MPRB explains.
The Minnesota Tracking Club is also leading an event on Sunday, November 23, at Minnehaha Park, and nature enthusiast Bill Kass will guide participants through Theodore Wirth Park on Sunday, December 7. Both sessions run from 9 to 11 am. A BioBlitz, for those who might not know, is a communal effort to identify as many species as possible in a set area, contributing to a larger body of research and data collection regarding local biodiversity.
All tools needed, like microscopes and magnifying glasses, are provided on-site. "Explore and discover the biodiversity of Minneapolis parks," the MPRB invites, stating that the goal is to "create a snapshot of the variety of life at a specific place and point in time." More information on the two-year BioBlitz program by the MPRB can be found on their website.
