5th Annual UF/IFAS DeLuca Preserve Bioblitz

Welcome to the 5th Annual UF/IFAS DeLuca Preserve Bioblitz!

Date: Friday, March 6, 2026

Time: Check-in is between 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM. You may leave at your convenience before 5:00 PM.

Location: UF/IFAS DeLuca Preserve, 6900 S Kenansville Rd, Okeechobee, FL 34972

Participants must be at least 18 years old to participate.

Join us for the 5th Annual DeLuca Bioblitz on March 6, 2026! A bioblitz is an intensive biodiversity survey where participants work together to document as many species as possible using the iNaturalist app.

This special event provides a unique opportunity to explore the University of Florida’s DeLuca Preserve in Okeechobee, Florida. Hosted by UF researchers and extension experts, the bioblitz is open to nature enthusiasts of all skill levels—from first-time iNaturalist users to seasoned experts.

Participants can choose between two options the day of the event:

• Facilitated Bioblitz: Explore the Preserve at your own pace, with experts stationed throughout the area to help with identifications and provide guidance on documenting observations.
• Self-Guided Bioblitz: Explore the Preserve and document species at your own pace.

Before attending, please download the iNaturalist app. Be sure to bring your cell phone with you to the event. Experienced iNaturalist users may also bring digital cameras but must upload their observations to iNaturalist on their own after the event. Explore last year's results on the iNaturalist website here, and the project for this year's bioblitz is available here.

Participants are encouraged to wear appropriate field attire, including closed-toed shoes or hiking boots, long pants, a hat, and bring insect repellent and sunscreen. Additionally, pack a lunch and plenty of water to stay hydrated throughout the day.

Extension programs are open to all persons without regard to race, color, sexual orientation, sex, age, disability, religion, or national origin. If you require accommodation under the ADA, please contact event organizers, directly, as soon as possible and at least ten business days before the event. We will do our best to provide accommodation where possible. We will make every effort to meet accommodation requests.

This year, participants will have the option to obtain a 2026 DeLuca Bioblitz T-shirt (see design here; shirt color may vary). A $20 contribution is anticipated, with all proceeds supporting the DeLuca Bioblitz and future events. During registration, you will be asked whether you are interested in receiving a shirt. If you select “Yes,” you will receive an email prior to the Bioblitz with additional details on next steps.

Don’t miss this chance to connect with nature, contribute to citizen science, and explore the beauty of the DeLuca Preserve!

If you have any questions, contact Dr. Corey Callaghan at [email protected].

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Host or Publisher Corey Callaghan