Level-Up Bioblitz

What is a bioblitz?

A bioblitz is an event where a community works together to find and record as many species in a certain area in a certain period of time as they can. 

What platform is the library using for the bioblitz?

We are using iNaturalist, which is an app that anyone can download onto a device like a phone or a tablet. iNaturalist accounts are easy to make and free to everyone aged 13+. Children under the age of 13 can also make an account, which requires permission from a parent and a $1 donation using a credit card to verify identity.

How do I use iNaturalist?

After downloading the app, creating an account, and joining The Dalles Library Level-Up Bioblitz project using this link: https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/the-dalles-library-level-up-bioblitz, or by searching for us in the project tab in the app, start making observations. Take photos of plants, insects, birds, mammals, and any other organisms you can find on hikes, in your backyard, and going about your day-to-day life. On the iNaturalist homepage, tap the button with the green + (plus sign). Add images of each organism in separate observation, but take as many photos of each as you want. The more quality photos you take, the easier it is for the app and the experts to identify the species. Also add important metadata such as the date the photo was taken, the location you saw the organism, and whether it was alive or dead. Make sure you add your observations to the correct project so it counts towards our bioblitz. iNaturalist will prompt you to identify what you saw, giving a list of possible options using its image recognition software. Identify it to the most specific taxonomic group you can, but don’t feel like you have to know what species it is. If all you’re certain of is that you saw a bird, your identification should only be to the Class level, Aves. Experts who use the app will clarify and confirm identifications for you. You can see comments and identifications on the observations, and in the activity tab in the app.

What if I’d rather not use an app, but still want to participate?

That’s what our nature wall is for! In the hallway between the main library and the meeting room, above the Friends of the Library Book Sale, we have a physical display of the nature observations our community has made. Print out a photo, draw a picture, or write a description of the organism you saw, and post it on the nature wall for all to see. These observations will be counted towards the total species observed by the community.

Where and when can I make observations for the project?

The Dalles Library Level-Up Bioblitz project is open during our summer reading program in 2025, from June 16^th to August 16^th. Although we anticipate most of our community’s observations to come from the Gorge, there are no location restrictions to the project, so feel free to continue making observations even if you’re traveling far and wide!

What is the end goal of this activity?

We’ll be keeping track of how many total species have been observed in our project on iNaturalist and on our nature wall. Following our Level-Up theme for summer reading, each 100 species observed will bump our community up to the next level. Every level reached will result in a bigger and better party for participants at the end of the bioblitz, with treats and raffle prizes! There will also be a contest for Best Observation Photograph, voted on by the community at the party. But mostly, the goal is for everyone to have a great time getting outside, engaging with nature, and flexing their nature literacy skills!

What if I need help figuring out the app?

Come to one of our training sessions! These take place on June 25^th. There is an afternoon session and an evening session. The afternoon session starts at 12 PM and goes to 2 PM, and the evening session starts at 5:30 PM and goes to 7:30 PM. We’ll go over making an account, joining the project, making observations, and tips and tricks for finding organisms to photograph. Then we’ll go outside and practice! There will be snacks and beverages. Everyone is welcome, though the content is geared mostly towards teens and adults.

And if I can’t make it to the training sessions or I have more questions?

Our Children and Teen Librarian, Martin, is running this program and would be happy to help you out anytime they’re available! You can email them at moslick@ci.the-dalles.or.us.

I’m not very familiar with nature. Can I still participate?

Absolutely!!!!! The iNaturalist app doesn’t require any experience or expertise to use. There are dozens of species of plants, animals, and fungi right in your backyard. You don’t have to know their names to start making observations. Anyone can do it, and it’s never too late to learn! Check out some field guides at the library if you’re looking for a head start. Observing nature requires only patience and an open mind.

Does everyone in a family have to have their own iNaturalist account?

Nope! In fact, we encourage families to participate in the bioblitz together, with everyone’s observations being made on the same device. That way, everyone can contribute and work together!