National Public Lands Day Insect BioBlitz

Are you passionate about insects and exploring biodiversity found in nature? Join us for an Insect Bioblitz, where citizen scientists will come together to identify as many insects as possible.

The event will be held on September 26^th, 2026, to celebrate National Public Lands Day, the nation’s largest single-day volunteer event.

All experience levels are welcome to participate in the event, but they must commit to the FULL six hours. Volunteers will utilize iNaturalist, an app that will help identify and record the species that are found. Observations will be uploaded to the “PAIS NPLD Insect BioBlitz” iNaturalist project. Sign up is required for this event.

Volunteers under the age of 18 MUST have a parent or guardian present at the event. Please email avery_landreth@partner.nps.gov if you are a volunteer under the age of 18.

Before the Event

·        Please have iNaturalist downloaded on a device that can take photographs OR be able to easily transfer data from a camera to iNaturalist

·        Meet at the Malaquite Visitor Center at 8 AM for an iNaturalist and insect crash course

What to Bring

·        Lunch, sunscreen, plenty of water

·        Wear protective clothing for being out in the field

·        Close toed shoes

·        A device to take photographs for uploading images to iNaturalist

We will provide nets, collection vials, and forceps. Insects will be released and not kept during the event. 

If you are interested in being a volunteer group leader for the BioBlitz, please email avery_landreth@partner.nps.gov

Volunteer leaders will help lead a group of volunteers at a certain site within the park. They will help volunteers with iNaturalist and have some knowledge of insect identification. An NPS employee will be present with each group.