Bioblitz 2024 will be a collaborative effort of Bluffton University and the University of Findlay aimed at exploring and documenting the rich biodiversity within their respective nature preserves. Scheduled for July 13, 2024, from 9:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m., volunteers and community members are invited to join faculty experts in the day-long exploration of local ecosystems.

The event will begin at the Rieck Center for Habitat Studies, located at 17311 TR 166, Mount Blanchard, Ohio, then proceed to Spurgat Land Conservancy, located at CR 79 and CR 59, Rawson, Ohio, culminating at the Bluffton University Nature Preserve, located at 10625 Augsburger Road, Bluffton, Ohio. A reception at the Moyer Center will conclude the day, providing participants with an opportunity to share findings and experiences.

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“We are excited to engage our community in this meaningful endeavor,” said Ben Dolan, Ph.D., associate professor of biology and director of natural areas and plant collections at University of Findlay. “By partnering with Bluffton University, we aim to foster greater awareness and appreciation for the natural world while making significant strides in ecological research.”

The primary goal of Bioblitz 2024 is to enhance species identification efforts by achieving a 20% increase in documented species compared to previous years. This ambitious objective underscores the event’s mission to bolster biodiversity data collection and contribute to local conservation initiatives. Participants will have the unique opportunity to work alongside biologists, ecologists, and naturalists, gaining valuable insights into species identification and habitat diversity.