FRANKLIN GROVE - Now that spring is here, Franklin Creek Natural Area invites everyone to enjoy the outdoors while taking part in their BioBlitz on Saturday, April 21.  

The term BioBlitz is a combination of “bio,” which means life, and “blitz,” which means to do something quickly and intensively. Together, they form BioBlitz, which is a collaborative race against the clock to discover as many species of plants and animals as possible in a set location (with a little friendly team competition and fabulous prizes). Experts, novices and all skill levels in between are welcome to participate. 

A BioBlitz is a fun way to create a snapshot of the variety of life that can be found in an area. It provides an opportunity to learn, work together, and enjoy the outdoors, while creating a biological inventory that will help to establish restoration goals and monitor ecological changes over time.

How can you participate?

Participants must be willing to help for the entire day, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Encourage your co-workers, family and friends to also get involved. Children 9 and older are also welcome with an adult. All participants must sign up in advance. Send your contact information (name, address, phone, e-mail) along with that of anyone attending with you to stewardship@franklincreekconservation.org by Saturday, April 14. 

What happens on the day of the BioBlitz?

All participants will meet at 9 a.m. on April 21 at the Franklin Creek Grist Mill, 1893 Twist Road, Franklin Grove (in the Franklin Creek State Natural Area). Together participants will inventory trees, bushes, flowers, grasses and sedges, fungi, mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and insects using phone apps, field guides, and experts to help with species identification.

The schedule will include:     

9-10 a.m. - Introduction, training and assignments

10 a.m.-noon - Inventory of morning target areas

Noon-1 p.m. - Free lunch at the Grist Mill

1-3 p.m. - Afternoon inventory of target areas

3-4 p.m. - Wrap-up at the Grist Mill (submit data, Q&A, feedback, team photos, awards)

What should you bring with you?

Wear long pants and long sleeve shirts, closed-toe shoes, hats, gloves, and layers appropriate for the weather. Bring water, bug spray and sunscreen. If you have a smart phone and charger, please bring them. Binoculars and field guides are helpful but optional as some will be provided.

Please e-mail any further questions to stewardship@franklincreekconservation.org.

This event is funded through an outreach grant from the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation.