About this Event
A BioBlitz is an exciting, educational initiative aimed at documenting biodiversity. It is a collaborative effort that brings together scientists, naturalists, volunteers, and community members to conduct surveys of the living organisms within a specific area over a designated period of time.
Colonial Soil and Water Conservation District is organizing a BioBlitz at New Quarter Park to celebrate World Nature Conservation Day.
Date: July 20
Time: 8:00 am – 12:00 pm, you may come for all or just a part of this event
Cost: Event is free
The event will be an immersive and exciting educational experience that celebrates the park's rich biodiversity. During this BioBlitz, participants will have the opportunity to explore the diverse habitats of New Quarter Park, including its forests, wetlands, meadows, and the scenic Queens Creek. The event is open to individuals of all ages (under 18 require a guardian) and skill levels, welcoming both seasoned nature enthusiasts and newcomers eager to learn about the natural world.
Knowledgeable experts from:
- Colonial Soil and Water Conservation District
- York County Parks and Recreation
- Historic Rivers Chapter of the Virginia Master Naturalists
- Virginia Institute of Marine Science
- James City County Master Gardeners
- John Clayton Chapter of the Virginia Native Plant Society
- Coastal Virginia Wildlife Observatory
- Department of Environmental Quality
- Williamsburg Birding Club
...and other knowledgeable volunteers will be on site to provide an overview of the BioBlitz objectives and provide guidance on how to identify and document the various species encountered throughout the day.
As participants explore the park's different habitats, they are encouraged to observe and document any living organisms they encounter and to upload their photographs to a specific iNaturalist project using the iNaturalist mobile phone application. All of these photographs and notes will be stored in the iNaturalist database and the data will then be available to scientists and to the park.
We will have a scavenger hunt for all interested participants that includes an assortment of plants, animals, and fungi to try and locate while you are in the park. For each organism you observe you can keep track in iNaturalist and on your scavenger hunt checklist and if you finish the hunt you will win a prize! There will be a special prize for the first person who completes it and there will be prizes and giveaways for other activities, including a passport that you can get stamped by visiting the different organizations' educational booths.
In addition to species surveys, the BioBlitz will offer other engaging activities throughout the day, including:
- macroinvertebrate sampling and identification
- plant walks and identification
- discussions about the the wide world of pollinators
- learning about fish diversity
- talking about how to make your yard into a pollinator habitat
- bird walks and identification
- learning about our local watershed
- opportunities to ask all of your gardening questions
- talking to experts clouds and climate
- insect sampling and identification
- learning about erosion
- and more!
The event fosters a spirit of collaboration, as participants are encouraged to share their findings and knowledge with each other. Experts and volunteers are readily available to assist in species identification and provide insights into the ecological significance of the park's diverse flora and fauna.
We will be equipped with aquatic and aerial nets, trays for observing specimens, aquaria, magnifying glasses, field guides, and other basic tools, but we suggest bringing whatever you think will help you the most, including field guides and binoculars.
At the end of the BioBlitz, all the data collected by the participants is compiled in iNaturalist and analyzed. This valuable information contributes to the ongoing research and conservation efforts at New Quarter Park. It also helps to create a better understanding of the park's biodiversity, identify important species and habitats, and inform future management and conservation strategies.
The BioBlitz at New Quarter Park on July 20 is an exceptional opportunity for individuals to immerse themselves in nature, deepen their understanding of the local ecosystem, and contribute to scientific knowledge. It promotes environmental awareness, community engagement, and a sense of stewardship towards the natural world.
Make sure to join the iNaturalist project!
Things to bring
- Your phone with iNaturalist installed and ready to go
- Lots of water
- Sunscreen
- Snacks
- Binoculars – if you have them
- Any of your own field guides
- An interest in the natural world and a desire to learn more!
About New Quarter Park
This historic site along Queen’s Creek in York County offers a variety of wildlife habitats with its 545 acres of mature forests, meadows, ravines, and tidal wetlands, and is located approximately three miles from historic Williamsburg. This site is rich in both human and natural history; you might spot a colonial artifact or Miocene fossil on your visit. The mature woodland and open meadows provide habitat for migrant songbirds as well as butterflies, reptiles, and amphibians. The tidal creek is habitat for long-legged waders and shorebirds. Be sure to check for nesting osprey atop the channel markers. In the fall and winter scan the creek for wintering ducks. The Williamsburg Bird Club regularly schedules walks in the park. The Park has ten picnic shelters, eight hiking trails with scenic overlooks, a mountain bike trail, routes for family biking, and access to the waterways for canoes, kayaks, and fishing.
**All photographs from the New Quarter Park page..
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
New Quarter Park, 1000 Lakeshead Dr, Williamsburg, United States
USD 0.00
