BioBlitz is a collaborative citizen science event that focuses on finding and identifying as many species as possible within a specific area over a short period of time. During the events, species are identified in groups usually led by biodiversity experts. The observations are recorded on iNaturalist. Everybody - from nature enthusiasts to casual passersby - is welcomed to observe the event, participate in the identifying, or just briefly join in.
BioBlitz at the University of Turku, Finland
Throughout the event, experts share information about the local nature, and for example, give insight into identifying plants and fungi, capturing insects and vertebrates, and estimating the abundance of different species. The events span overnight, teaching participants practical skills and techniques to monitor natural habitats while providing them an opportunity to spend time together in urban nature.
BioBlitz 2022 at University of Turku Campus
The Biodiversity Unit at the University of Turku held its first BioBlitz event in May 2022 around the Turku campus and the Old Town. In addition to species identification, the event featured themed observation tours, science workshops for children and other nature-inspired activities. A total of 825 species were identified. More importantly, the event raised public awareness about the high biodiversity in and around the campus and emphasized the importance of its preservation.
BioBlitz at Skanssi Urban Biodiversity Park 2024
The latest BioBlitz took place in August 2024 at the Skanssi Biodiversity Park, an area designed for both recreation and education. As a part of the Skanssi Biodiversity Park Initiative - which aims to actively monitor and improve biodiversity in the area – the event ran continuously for 21 hours. Its goal was to identify the dominant species during late summer and early fall. Participants also enjoyed a variety of educational sessions, including presentations on vipers, a lecture-tour on slime moulds, and demonstrations of various insect traps in action.
Together with a previous BioBlitz event held at the park earlier in June, over 1000 species were documented in the area. The events not only inspired participants to observe nature in a new way but also provided experts with valuable feedback from local park users. This input – along with future research in the area – will guide the development of the area. Both events drew significant public interest, and many attendees discovered a new passion for the biodiversity of their living spaces.
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