Eastern Sierra Land Trust to host BioBlitz

Workshop for citizen science event set for Aug. 17

Eastern Sierra Land Trust is inviting the public to participate in collecting nature observations in a Citizen Science BioBlitz event

Organizers say they are excited to get onto the land with area residents and vistors as part of Eastern Sierra Land Trust’s 21st Anniversary Lands and Legacy Celebration.

A BioBlitz is a community science event that brings together people of all ages to observe nature. It’s kind of like a flash mob for identifying and counting species, according to Eastern Sierra Land Trust.

Community members get together outside and use iNaturalist to document the plants, birds, insects, reptiles and other life that they find. BioBlitzes can contribute useful data that scientists can learn from.

This BioBlitz has an inperson and do-it-yourself option. There will be an in-person event on Sunday, Aug. 21, from 8 10 a.m. Participants will meet at the Bishop Paiute Reservation Conservation

Open Space Area (COSA) near the DMV.

Visit the Eastern Sierra Land Trust website at eslt. org/events for a google maps link.

Those who can’t join the group in Bishop that morning can still join in the fun with ESLT’s DIY Backyard BioBlitz. People can outside on their own and record their observations.

“Whether you’re in your backyard or the backcountry, we want to know what you find,” organizers stated.

Eastern Sierra Land Trust is giving away Ann Logan hats and art pieces for people who participate in the following challenges: • Most overall observations

• Most identified species

• Most bird species

• Most invertebrates

• Most flowering plants

• Most fungi

• Most native plants To learn more about BioBlitzes and how to use the iNaturalist app or website to join in the fun, attend our zoom workshop on Wednesday, Aug. 17, from 6 - 7 p.m. Those interested can find the zoom link and more information on Eastern Sierra Land Trust website (eslt. org/events) or RSVP with Claire at claire@eslt.org to learn more.