Calling all beach-goers and nature-lovers! We need your eyes and your smart phones to gather observations for the Snapshot HumCoast BioBlitz taking place from August 17 – 31. A BioBlitz is a community science effort to collect and share data on plant and animal species within a defined area and time period. This effort is a collaboration of local organizations seeking to create a snapshot in time of species observed along the Humboldt County Coast. In order to do so safely while preventing further spread of COVID-19, the Snapshot HumCoast BioBlitz will be taking place over a 2-week period at any and all coastal locations in Humboldt County. Data will be collected using iNaturalist, a website and phone app that is user-friendly whether you are nature-curious or a knowledgeable naturalist. No expertise of local plant and animal species is required! iNaturalist can offer suggestions based on your photos and location. Once recorded, other users can confirm the species or offer an alternative identification.
Snapshot HumCoast is hosted locally by Friends of the Dunes, Trinidad Coastal Land Trust, Humboldt Baykeeper, and California State Park North Coast Redwoods. This local BioBlitz is part of the annual Snapshot Cal Coast, a statewide effort to record coastal biodiversity, put on by the California Academy of Sciences. To participate, download the iNaturalist app – then simply explore some coastal areas from August 17-31, taking photos of plants and animals along the way, and upload your observations to iNaturalist. Observations can also be added at a later time (when connected to wifi) or from a camera or computer if preferred. Keep an eye out on our social media and e-newsletters in early August for more information about this BioBlitz event and iNaturalist instructions.