BioBlitz Talk

BioBlitz taking place at Cape Perpetua.

CoastWatch has collaborated with the Oregon Coast Aquarium and other conservation groups on a series of “BioBlitzes” at the state’s marine reserves each of the past two years, and expects to do so again.  These events partner volunteers with professional scientists and resource agency personnel in an intensive effort (usually on one day) to document all the species found in a given area.

If you would like to learn more about how a BioBlitz works and what these events accomplish, the MidCoast Watersheds Council is offering background talk, “Documenting Our Area’s Biodiversity,” on Thursday, Oct. 3, 6:30 p.m., in Room 205 of the Newport Visual Arts Center (777 N.W. Beach Dr. in the Nye Beach area).  The event is free and open to all; refreshments will be served.

The speaker will be Ian Throckmorton, who coordinated the BioBlitzes held over the past two years on behalf of the Oregon Coast Aquarium.  He will present on the practice of BioBlitzing, as well as the use of the species documentation program called iNaturalist.

Throckmorton is an Oregon State University graduate with a degree in Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences, whose work is focused on conservation and education. Along with a general discussion of BioBlitz practices, Throckmorton will offer information and results concerning the numerous BioBlitz events that have taken place along the Oregon Coast over the past few years. By the end of the presentation, participants will not only understand what a BioBlitz is, but also why and how they may carry out events of their own.

The talk will be followed by a regular meeting of the MidCoast Watersheds Council.