BioBlitz 2022

We are thrilled to announce the return of the Spring Bioblitz at the Turkey Creek Nature Preserve! This will be the 8th time we have hosted a BioBlitz, and every time we discover many new things that have a huge impact on our understanding of our unique habitats. In fact, these events have lead to the documentation of four new protected species in the area, which has resulted in numerous research and restoration projects. So, not only is this a fun event, but it also has a direct impact on future stewardship efforts!

For those not familiar, a BioBlitz is a 24-hour event in which teams of volunteer scientists, families, students, teachers, and other community members work together to find and identify as many species of plants, animals, microbes, fungi, and other organisms as possible. This is a fun and exciting opportunity to come together as a community and share our knowledge and hopefully learn a little along the way.

“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.” -National Geographic

This year, we are inviting you, the public, to join us in our efforts to survey the incredible biodiversity of the Turkey Creek Nature Preserve. With the generous assistance from biologists with the Alabama Department of Natural Resources, we are offering guided excursions to survey plants, insects, herps (reptiles and amphibians), and birds in Turkey Creek. These guided excursions will be an amazing opportunity to get out and learn about the amazingly diverse life the inhabits the Preserve. No experience will be necessary to join!

To participate in one of the excursions for this year’s BioBlitz, please click on one of the links below and register. Group sizes will be limited to 20. Registration Deadline is April 19th.

Botany Survey: Lead by Dr. Wayne Barger, ADCNR Botanist: Friday, April 22nd at 4:00pm

Insects and Herps Survey: Lead by Brian Holt, ADCNR Biologist: Saturday, April 23rd at 10:00am

Bird Survey: Lead by Dr. Scot Duncan (Birmingham-Southern College) and Dr. Winston Lancaster (University of Alabama at Birmingham): Saturday, April 23rd at 8:00am

Lodging:

For participants coming from out of town that would like to stay the night, we unfortunately are not able to provide any lodging onsite, but there are a number of hotel options within a 30 minute drive of the Preserve in Gardendale: