Help count the island’s critters at BioBlitz

Published 11:55 am Saturday, May 30, 2015

The Bainbridge Island Land Trust has partnered with IslandWood to host the most intensive field study survey ever done on the island.

The event, the Bainbridge Island BioBlitz, is a 12-hour race against the clock to identify as many living species as possible on three land trust conserved properties.

Island volunteers are needed to help out with the count, and helpers will get a chance to see two of the properties which are not normally open to the public.

Officials also said the day is a perfect opportunity to support the land trust’s mission of preserving and stewarding the unique natural places of Bainbridge Island, all while learning more about what’s living in our own backyard.

Land trust conserved properties to be surveyed during the BioBlitz include the Gazzam Lake Nature Preserve, Old Woods conserved properties, and the West Bainbridge Shoreline Preserve.

IslandWood’s welcome center will be the “base camp” for the day, a place where teams can meet and carpool, share refreshments, and use scientific resources to do further identification work.

All teams will assemble at the welcome center. A festive after-party will be hosted afterward.

Pre-registration is required online at www.islandwood.org/event/bioblitz-2015. Sign-up for as many “Taxa Teams” as your day allows. Survey designated properties with local flora and fauna experts. The free event is open to people of all ages and backgrounds (no biology degree required) and is also family-friendly.

For more information on volunteering, contact becca@bi-landtrust.org or call 206-842-1216.