Bioblitz

In 2016 we initiated our first annual “Bioblitz,” a one-day event which attempts to document all possible species of flora and fauna at a chosen natural location. This biological inventory is particularly meaningful to investigate the ecological health and diversity of a wetlands area that may have been recently restored.

The Bioblitz event brings together experts in all the relevant fields – botany, ornithology, entomology, marine biology, to name a few – to both evaluate the site and educate other participants during the process.

In 2016, 2017 and 2019 the Bioblitz events were held at the recently restored wetlands on North Colley Bay, and Bioblitz 2018 was held at the Hermitage Gardens. Past subject matter experts participating as mentors have come from ODU, Norfolk Botanical Garden, Hermitage Gardens, Navy and city of Norfolk.

The activity has proven a great teambuilding experience as well as informal “continuing education” for Partnership members who have participated.

Unfortunately, the event was not held in 2020 or 2021 due to the COVID-19 situation.