Become a nature detective at the Land Trust’s first BioBlitz

Join the Wareham Land Trust for its first BioBlitz this weekend at the River Walk Conservation Area.

The River Walk Conservation Area, located at 191 Cromesett Road is a 19.37-acre property managed by the Wareham Land Trust that protects local water quality and provides scenic natural walking paths

The event will take place from 9 a.m. Saturday, August 1 to 9 a.m. Sunday, August 2 Visitors are welcome anytime from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on August 1.

Whether you're an experienced naturalist or simply enjoy spending time outdoors, a BioBlitz is an opportunity to explore the property while contributing to community science.

A BioBlitz is a community science event where volunteers, scientists, and nature enthusiasts work together over a 24-hour period to identify and document as many plants, animals, fungi, and other living organisms as possible.

Using the iNaturalist app, every observation will help create a snapshot of the River Walk Conservation Area's biodiversity while providing valuable data to support conservation, research, education, and future stewardship of the property.

iNaturalist is a free app that allows you to record and identify the plants and animals you observe.

Observations are reviewed by a community of naturalists and scientists, and verified records become part of a global biodiversity database used by researchers and conservation organizations.

The Wareham Land Trust will also be offering a variety of guided walks, educational programs, and hands-on activities led by local naturalists and subject experts.

Programs will focus on birds, insects, native plants, fungi, reptiles, and more, with opportunities for all ages and experience levels to participate.

Participants can join for a single program, spend an hour exploring, or stay for the entire day.

A schedule of events includes:

• 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. – Color, Crafts, and Activities Station (family-friendly, all day)
• 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. – Butterfly and Plant Walk with Local Naturalists Andy and Lauren Griffith
• 10:30 a.m. to noon – Soil Classification Workshop with TerraCorps Service Member Matt Potvin
• 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. – Insect Tabling with Plymouth County Entomologist Blake Dinius
• 4:00 to 5:30 p.m.  – Fungi and Mushroom Walk with Local Naturalist Ari Stamatiou
• 7:00 to 9:00 a.m. (August 2) – Shore Bird Walk with Board Member Lori Benson and Executive Director Alex Zollo.

For more information, contact the Wareham Land Trust at community@warehamlandtrust.org.