Do you like to explore the natural world? Do you want to contribute to real science research while having fun outdoors? Then you'll want to Explore the Shore, Spot the Swallows, or Peak for Pikas with Point Defiance Zoo naturalists in our citizen science projects!
MetroParks Tacoma and the
Tacoma School District’s Science & Math Institute are partnering together to hold a
BioBlitz in Point Defiance Park this spring.
Volunteers are needed to be Taxa Team Leaders and Citizen Scientists, for this deep dive into the flora and fauna of Pierce County’s largest urban park. Taxa Team Leads are experts in a specific area (trees, shrubs, insects, fungi, mammals, etc.) that guide small groups of 4-10 BioBlitz participants as they investigate a zone of the park during a defined time. Citizen Scientists are interested in learning more about the natural neighborhood around them, and no experience is required!
The 2018 Point Defiance Park BioBlitz will cover the forested park areas, botanical gardens, the beachfront and a portion of the Puget Sound (conducted by kayakers and divers), from 2 p.m. Friday, April 27 until 2 p.m. Saturday, April 28. Data will be collected via the iNaturalist app, and will help reveal the amazing biodiversity in our community’s natural neighborhood, as well as informing park management decisions. We have more information about the event, including a helpful FAQ, at
pdza.org/citizen-science.