Inaugural BioBlitz demonstrates a celebration of cooperation

By Linda Schreiber

Over 320 observations documenting the rich biodiversity of Project GREEN Gardens highlighted the successful inaugural BioBlitz. Although two days of rain threatened to dampen the event, the skies cleared just in time for volunteers, exhibitors, and visitors to explore the gardens and record the plants, animals, fungi, and other organisms that call the gardens home.

Months of planning generated excitement through eye-catching graphics, a social media campaign, a local newspaper article, and invitations to area elementary and high schools. Additionally, environmental and conservation organizations were encouraged to exhibit during the activity.  

BioBlitz participants seemed to understand the mission and importance of documenting the diversity of life found throughout the nearly 8-acre site. The iNaturalist app was introduced to volunteer helpers, along with details about how the app creates a living inventory curated by citizen scientists.

Preliminary results show nearly 60 community members participated in the activity using iNaturalist. Records indicate milhouse35 documented the most observations at 57, followed by sethro84 with 47; sethro84 also identified the greatest number of species at 42.

_{^{Left to right: Early rain and cloudy skies didn’t dampen the spirits of participants and volunteers at the inaugural Project GREEN Gardens BioBlitz on Saturday, August 1, 2026, in Iowa City. Documented at the Project GREEN Gardens BioBlitz was a bald-faced hornet (Dolispovaspula maculata) buzzing the late figwort.JCMG volunteers Laurie Roehl (left) and Kay Mohling staff the Yard & Garden information table at the Project GREEN Gardens BioBlitz on Saturday, August 1, 2026, in Iowa City.}}

University of Iowa biology professor Andrew Forbes, Ph.D., and UI graduate students served as BioBlitz go-to’s for school-age children seeking to identify and learn more about insects they found. The graduate students eagerly shared hints about using iNaturalist and fascinating insights into insect biology, along with their own research interests.

The momentum of this first JCMG/Project GREEN BioBlitz reflected the generosity and collaboration of each of the partners who shared their expertise, resources, and enthusiasm. From helping visitors identify plants, insects, and birds to explaining the importance of documenting biodiversity, each collaborator contributed to creating a meaningful learning experience for the community.

The first BioBlitz established a strong foundation for what promises to become an annual tradition. As the inventory of plants, insects, fungi, birds, and other wildlife grows each year, the information collected will help organizers better understand the gardens’ biodiversity, monitor changes over time, and make informed management decisions about maintaining and developing the site.

BioBlitz partners hope for optimum weather when the event repeats on the first Saturday in August 2027.

Partners for the BioBlitz included the City of Iowa City Parks, Hills Bank, Johnson County Planning, Development & Sustainability, Johnson County Master Gardeners, Project GREEN, and the University of Iowa Office of Sustainability and the Environment.