Shenandoah University | Center for Transformative Teaching and Learning

What is a BioBlitz?

It’s a collaborative, community effort to document biodiversity! Our goal is to work together to find and identify the plants and animals at Cool Spring. Whether you’re an experienced naturalist or simply enjoy a morning outdoors, you’re invited to help us document our local species.

Using your smartphone, you’ll walk the trails and capture detailed photos of the wildlife you find. By uploading your observations to iNaturalist.org, you’ll be helping the Virginia Master Naturalists and Shenandoah University record the biodiversity at this historic location alongside the Shenandoah River.

We’ll provide: 

• Refreshments and water.
• Instructions for using iNaturalist and demonstrations of how to take high-quality photos. 
• Trail guides. 

What to bring:

• Your enthusiasm and curiosity about what you might observe! 
• Insect repellent, sunscreen, broad-brimmed hat.
• Smartphone and charger. 
• Reusable water bottle.

Registration is required. Please register using this form. Registration will close Thursday, September 24.

Want to lead the way? We’re looking for volunteers to help with logistics and post-event species identification. Contact Hilary Sortor at hilary.sortor@su.edu to get involved.

Rain Date: October 3, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Co-hosted by the VMN Cool Spring Education and Naturalization Project Team and the Center for Transformative Teaching and Learning, Shenandoah University.