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2016 Nebraska BioBlitz

BioBlitz

A BioBlitz is an event that focuses on finding and identifying as many species as possible in a specific area over a short period of time. Also known as a biological inventory or biological census, the primary goal of a BioBlitz is to get an overall count of plants, animals, fungi, and other organisms that live in a place. Most BioBlitz events contain a public component so adults, kids, teens, and anyone interested can join experts and scientists in the field. Participating in these hands-on studies is a fun and exciting way for people to learn about biodiversity and better understand how to protect it.

Since the phrase BioBlitz was first coined by the National Park Service in 1996, these events have been held throughout the world.

While these events are fun and educational, they are also important – over the years participants have identified many species rare to the parks where they were conducting their inventories.

Take part in BioBlitz!

In 2016, the Nebraksa Game and Parks Commission will host two BioBlitz events. Additionally, two other events are planned in Nebraska. Plan to join us for the entire day or for a few hours while we visit the sights, sounds and wildlife at two of Nebraska’s state parks. Be prepared to tromp through weeds and forest and get muddy in streams! These events are free and open to all ages.

Niobrara State Park
89261 522 Ave
Niobrara, NE 68760
May 14, 2016
5 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Park Entry Permit required
Reserve your spot
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  • 4:45 – 5:20 a.m.: Sign in
  • 5:45 – 7:30 a.m.: Birds
  • 8 – 9 a.m.: Small mammals
  • 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.: Displays (skulls, pelts, mounts, rocks (fossils), history timelines of parks; activities and crafts
  • 9:30 – 11 a.m.: Reptiles/amphibians/wetlands
  • 11 a.m. – noon: Lunch (not provided)
  • Noon – 1 p.m.: Teacher/Master Naturalist programs/crafts at main area
  • 1:30 – 2:30 p.m.: Prairies
  • 2:45 – 3:45 p.m.: Insects
  • 3:30 – 6 p.m.: Park tours and activities/crafts
  • 6 – 7:30 p.m.: Teacher/Master Naturalist programs/crafts at main area
  • 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.: Presentations on the history of Niobrara State Park and the local area
  • 8 – 10 p.m.: Bats; bonfire

Enders Reservoir State Recreation Area
73122 338th Ave
Enders, NE 69027
May 21, 2016
5 a.m. – 9 p.m.
No Park Entry Permit required
(Free Park and Free Fishing Day)
Reserve your spot

  • 4:45 – 5:15 a.m.: Sign in
  • 5:30 – 7 a.m.: Small mammals
  • 7:30 – 9:15 a.m.: Birds
  • 9:45 a.m. – noon: Teacher/Master Naturalist led crafts/programs/displays
  • Noon – 1 p.m.: Lunch (not provided)
  • 1:30 – 2:30 p.m.: Prairies
  • 2:45 – 3:45 p.m.: Insects
  • 4 – 5:30 p.m.: Reptiles/amphibians
  • 5:30 – 8 p.m.: Park activities and teacher/Master Naturalist led programs/crafts and presentations
  • 8 – 9 p.m.: Wrap up

Additional BioBlitz event locations

Plan to attend one or both of these additional BioBlitz events put on by our partners.

National Park Service
Homestead National Monument of America
8523 NE-4
Beatrice, NE 68310
May 21, 2016, 7 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Wildlife Safari Park
16406 292nd St
Ashland, NE 68003
May 21, 2016, 9 a.m. – May 22, 2016, 9 a.m.
Day event is free with price of admission or Safari Park membership. Overnight event requires preregistration and a $10 additional fee per person.

For further information or questions about BioBlitz please email the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission’s Watchable Wildlife Biologist Adam Jones.