BioBlitz at Otter Rock

Fawn Custer leads volunteers during a 2018 bioblitz.\Photo by Doug Cody.

For the second year, CoastWatch will play a lead role in a collaborative effort by conservation groups and the Oregon Coast Aquarium to conduct bioblitzes at each of Oregon’s marine reserves.  The first of these takes place on Thursday, June 6, 8-10 a.m., at the Otter Rock Marine Reserve.

Meet Fawn Custer, CoastWatch’s volunteer coordinator, on the beach north of the community of Otter Rock (take the trail down from the small park where the public restrooms are located).  She will be joined by Katy Nalven, this year's BioBlitz Coordinator, sponsored by the Oregon Coast Aquarium.  The event is free, everyone is welcome, and those of any skill level can help.  Participation by CoastWatchers and other members of the public is essential.  Make plans to get involved in this valuable, one-day citizen science activity.

A BioBlitz is an intensive survey of a defined area on a single day (occasionally two), with the goal of identifying all the species to be found in that area at one time.  It is a snapshot of biodiversity.  This BioBlitz focuses on the margin of the Otter Rock Marine Reserve, primarily the intertidal area.

The BioBlitz takes place during a low tide; come dressed in whatever you are comfortable wearing into the wet intertidal area, and come prepared for the weather (which may be cool and foggy in the morning at the shoreline on an otherwise warm summer day).  Water, snacks, binoculars, hats, and sunscreen are all advisable.

For more information, contact Fawn Custer, (541) 270-0027, fawn@oregonshores.org.