A Bioblitz is when scientists, volunteers, students or ordinary citizens participate in an ecosystem species tally. The goal is to find and record as many different species (plants, animals, fungi, etc.) as possible in a defined area. It is an essential way that people can participate in collecting data to help scientists understand our ever changing world. Earth is BIG! Exploring is FUN and super useful in understanding ecological changes and health of an environment. A bioblitz can also foster a sense of community and stewardship for the participants.  

The 5th graders went to the Connecticut Audubon society on Thursday, September 18, to participate in their own bioblitz. We ventured into the forest of the 250 acre sanctuary  equipped with clipboards, data sheets,  field guides and enthusiasm.

It was an incredible experience to see the students digging for insects, turning over logs looking for salamanders and identifying small plants and trees. We found some notable new species like the white lipped land snail! In addition we found an abundance of worms, two species of salamanders, one species of newt, an assassin bug, mushrooms, small ground cover plants like wintergreen and partridgeberry! Lots and lots more.  

The hands-on bioblitz will help the students truly begin to understand ecological diversity as we move into our unit about the Earth’s biomes.  

Fantastic job Grade 5!!