Summer BioBlitz Series

Event Summary

Enjoy the best of Johnson County’s natural spaces and contribute to citizen science at the same time! A BioBlitz is a group effort to identify what kinds of wildlife are thriving in a given area. This is the fourth and final event in our Summer BioBlitz Series, where we will explore Ciha Fen at the northeast corner of the county. Ciha Fen is one of only two documented nutrient-poor fens in the entire state of Iowa.

We will focus on using the iNaturalist app to record observations of plants, animals, and fungi. iNaturalist is a global database powered by citizen science. Observations of wildlife can be shared and identified by anyone on the app, and research-grade observations can be used by researchers around the world. Data can also help to inform decisions made by other parties such as land stewards, educators, and city planners. While using iNaturalist on a smart phone is the preferred method, participants can also make observations with any camera and upload them to the website at a later date. Participants will need to create a free iNaturalist account before the event begins. A new account can be created by following this link: https://www.inaturalist.org/signup

To start the event, we will meet at the parking lot near the front of the park. Participants will receive a brief introduction to using iNaturalist before we head out to explore this unique habitat and unveil what kinds of wildlife are thriving in the area! Please be aware that the site is mostly undeveloped and has no restrooms, and few parking spaces. Parking will primarily be available along the side of the gravel road near the park entrance.

Registration automatically closes one day in advance. If you are fully registered, you can expect to receive an email "receipt" from MyCountyParks after registration. You will also receive an email from the leading naturalist a couple days in advance of the program. If you do not receive these emails, you may not be registered; call 319-645-1011 for assistance in this case.

JCC is committed to providing equal opportunity for participation in all programs, services and activities. We welcome and encourage people with disabilities to attend programs and events. Accommodations may be requested by contacting naturalist staff at 319-645-1011 or jccnaturalists@gmail.com

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