BioBlitz 2026!
A bioblitz is a short, intensive survey in which scientists, naturalists, and community volunteers work together over a set period to document as many species of plants and wildlife as possible in a defined area. It is both a scientific effort to build a snapshot of local biodiversity and a public event that invites people to learn from experts, practice species identification, and contribute observations through tools like iNaturalist and other recording platforms.
Bioblitzes are important because they generate baseline species inventories that land managers often lack, help locate rare species or sensitive habitats, and strengthen public support for conservation through hands-on engagement. Data from these events have been used to guide management plans, such as focusing future field surveys, prioritizing areas for protection, establishing wildlife corridors, and informing restoration strategies on lands and high‑biodiversity regions.
Join Us: Indian River County BioBlitz
Join IRNA’s Indian River County BioBlitz, part of the Indian River Biodiversity Initiative, happening April 19–25, 2026. This week-long community science event invites students, families, educators, professionals, and community members to help document local plants and wildlife across Indian River County using iNaturalist.
You can take part in whatever way works best for you:
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Spend as little as 15 minutes on one day, or participate throughout the entire week
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Join individually or as a group, including families, HOAs, homeschool groups, Scouts, classrooms, or professional teams
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Create your own outing or join one of our scheduled hikes
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Make observations from your backyard, neighborhood, local preserve, Lagoon shoreline, or ocean beach
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Participate in a quick observation walk or a longer outdoor exploration or project-based activity
Every observation helps build a clearer picture of Indian River County’s unique biodiversity—and your participation truly makes a difference.
Get Involved
To learn more about the BioBlitz or to volunteer, please email Missy@IndianRiverNA.com
How to Participate
Get iNaturalist for free from the Apple App Store or Google Play and make an account!
Join the projectSearch for and join the project “Indian River County BioBlitz”
Start observing during the week of April 19-25!Take photos of the plants and animals you encounter—from ants to alligators and lichens to lizards. iNaturalist will help identify your observations and upload them automatically.
Share your experience Let us know you participated by tagging us on social media.
Upcoming BioBlitz Events
Sun, Apr 19Toni Robinson Waterfront TrailJoin IRNA's Missy Weiss as we explore the Indian River Land Trust's Toni Robinson Waterfront Trail, Vero Beach and document the plants and animals that call this mangrove forest home during the Indian River County BioBlitz on April 19 from 9-11am.
Wed, Apr 22Jaycee ParkJoin Stella Maris Environmental Research as we explore the beach at Jaycee Park, Vero Beach and document the plants and animals that call it home during this year’s Indian River County BioBlitz on Earth Day, April 22 from 9-11am.