Greetings! How are you finding ways to connect to nature? Our environmental education and conservation programs may be on hold, but our community connections are going strong! We invite you to join us this week as we explore nature nearby!

Exploring Your Own Bioregion There is a lot we can do from our own windows even if we can't go outside. Beginning today, Monday, April 13, to kick off Citizen Science Day , we are partnering with our National Park Service partners to host a week-long bioblitz. A bioblitz focuses on finding and identifying as many species as possible in a specific area (your own home, window, neighborhood, or backyard) over a short period of time.

Park In Place Nearby BioBlitz We are calling this the #ParkInPlace Nearby BioBlitz . You do not need to use social media to participate and joining this project is free. The tools we will use for observing the flora and fauna nearby, wherever you are, are iNaturalist and eBird using your mobile phone, a camera, or computer. Please sign up HERE to join our #ParkInPlace Nearby BioBlitz as we collect valuable scientific data and get to know nature in and around our own homes.

When practicing how to upload using the slug photo (pictured above), I was surprised to discover how many different species of Banana slug exist. I had no idea, and now I can't wait to find out what else I don't know! - Biret Adden

Whether you are a proficient digital naturalist, or a beginner, we hope you will join us for a week of fun and community building.

Happy observing,

Heather Clapp Director of Development and Community Engagement

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Biret Adden Education Director

#ParkInPlace

Park In Place Nearby BioBlitz Explore nearby nature! As you Park In Place with the Point Reyes National Seashore Association, celebrate nature everywhere by joining us for a week-long bioblitz kicking off on Citizen Science day - today - April 13, 2020. What plants, animals, and fungi share your yard, neighborhood, or home? Together, how many different species can we find right where we each are living? Results will be announced on Earth Day, April 22, 2020. Take the 5-Day Challenge! Set aside 15 - 30 minutes each day to explore nearby nature... spider in the entryway, crow on the sidewalk? Photograph your observations and upload them to iNaturalist or eBird . By Day Five you'll be a pro! How to Participate Whether you choose to use iNaturalist or eBird (or both!), here are the steps to get you started: Step One : Create an iNaturalist and/or eBird account (if you don't already have one). Step Two : Register for this project through our #ParkInPlace Nearby BioBlitz Eventbrite page . Note: You will be prompted to share your iNaturalist identity when registering. You only need to register on Eventbrite for one of the five days; it is not necessary to register for each day individually. Step Three : Begin taking photos and making observations! Project Partners eBird - NPS Ranger Carlo Arreglo will be heading up the eBird sightings. If you wish to focus on birds, this is the tool for you! Carlo will be documenting the birds around Bear Valley this week using eBird. iNaturalist - PRNSA Field Institute's Digital Naturalist, Todd Plummer, will be helping to ID species and curate this project this week. If you have general questions about this project, please email Heather Clapp at [email protected]

Getting Started with iNaturalist or eBird

We hope you’ll share what you’re up to with us through this new #ParkInPlace campaign!  Stay tuned on social media and don’t forget to tag us in your posts and stories on Facebook and Instagram . #ParkInPlace and #PointReyes_PRNSA If you do not use these platforms, please email me your ideas, stories, and photos at [email protected].

Point Reyes National Seashore | (415) 663-1200 x 310 | [email protected] | www.ptreyes.org

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