Spring Back Yard BioBlitz
Spring Back Yard BioBlitz: This is a trial run. The design of this mission is to record back yard biodiversity in a BioBlitz. Anything that nature put there counts and spring is a great time to get outside and see what's out there moving around, foraging, growing, budding, and decomposing. Normally this is done with a large group of people in a short amount of time but I suppose one person could go out and explore their own back yard over the course of a week. Why not practice in a familiar space?
Take a notebook, camera, binoculars (optional) outside and spend some time in your own back yard recording and (if possible) identifying as many species of plants, animals, and fungi as possible. Sit quietly and listen to your surroundings. Listen for movement, calls, or sounds of munching. Record what you see and make a list of the common names of the organism if you know it. If you don't know the name of the organism take a picture or describe it and draw it in your field notebook so you can identify it later. Walk around your yard and look for signs of life. Remember, if nature put it there it is ready for your list. That means your grass, landscaping, and shrubs are off the list. Be patient. This might take you a few tries to get the hang of it and do an adequate survey. Now grab a friend and do a back yard BioBlitz. You will be amazed by what is living in your own back yard.
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