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BioBlitz 2026

Ever wondered what plants and animals inhabit one of Western New York’s last wilderness areas? Enjoy taking pictures? Want to easily contribute species data to the only up-to-date biodiversity inventory of Zoar Valley?

Then the Zoar Valley Coalition’s BioBlitz 2026 is perfect for you!

We even have an iNaturalist training video to help you get started.

A branded graphic showing various fauna and flora found in Zoar Valley.
WHAT IS A BIOBLITZ?

 

A BioBlitz is when citizen-scientists, naturalists, and volunteers get outdoors and document as many species of flora and fauna as possible in a natural environment over a set time period.

BioBlitzing is a way to contribute to a better ecological understanding of a place. It also helps establish species baselines which, over time, document species changes, something especially important in these times of climate crisis and accelerated extinctions.

A BioBlitz also helps build a vital knowledge base of the rare and protected species present.

WHEN IS THE ZOAR VALLEY BIOBLITZ? 

MAY 15 – JULY 15, 2026

HOW TO GET STARTED

If you’re new to iNaturalist, you can view our how-to video here:  Zoar Valley Coalition – YouTube

Once you’re familiar with iNaturalist and have downloaded the iNaturalist app, head out to beautiful Zoar Valley on your own schedule to:

  • OBSERVE!  Take photos of plants, flowers, trees, mammals, birds, insects, fungi, and other organisms. This year we’re taking a special interest in insects, birds, and other wildlife.
  • IDENTIFY!  Identification can be as simple as “fern” or “bee” or as precise as “Linnaea borealis (Twin flower).” It’s okay if you don’t know what kind of specimen it is; there are many experts on iNaturalist who help ID uploaded photographs.
  • SHARE!  Upload your photos to iNaturalist here:  Zoar Valley BioBlitz 2026 – iNaturalist
  • SHARE AGAIN!  Please post your photos to social media using #ZoarValleyBioBlitz
WHO CAN JOIN IN?

Everyone! Citizen scientists, naturalists, professional scientists, volunteers, and community members of all ages can participate! No special skills are necessary. All you need is:

• A smartphone or camera
• The iNaturalist app downloaded to your phone – it’s free!
• Weather and terrain-appropriate clothing and gear
• Water and snacks

THERE WILL BE PRIZES!

The person with the most observations made and uploaded between 5/15/26 and 7/15/26 will win a Save Zoar Valley t-shirt from the Zoar Valley Coalition merch shop!

Second place for most observations made and uploaded will win a Save Zoar Valley lawn sign!

The person with the most bird, bug, and/or other wildlife observations made and uploaded will also win a Save Zoar Valley lawn sign!

RESPONSIBLE CITIZEN SCIENCE:

Please do not pinpoint the location of rare/protected species of flora and fauna and any fungi on iNaturalist. The app has a feature that allows you to broaden the location to the larger property instead of the exact coordinates. This protects these species from foragers illegally removing fungi and protected species for their own use or profit, something that is a problem on this public land.

Please stay on trails whenever possible and be mindful to not trample flora or fauna. Please stay within the Zoar Valley Multiple Use Area/Unique Area boundaries and avoid trespassing/parking on private property. Please observe Zoar’s Rules and Regulations, including no collecting or disturbing flora and fauna and no feeding or handling wildlife. Please practice leave no trace principles


The Zoar Valley Coalition thanks you for joining in!