Bioblitz Hike at Mary Gray Bird Sanctuary

Join us for an exciting BioBlitz hike at Mary Gray Bird Sanctuary, where we’ll explore the incredible biodiversity of this special place! A BioBlitz is a collaborative effort to document as many species as possible in a specific area over a short period of time—and you can be part of the discovery.

Guided by Jenilee Braun, Hayes Arboretum Naturalist & Program Coordinator, participants will help identify and record plants, animals, fungi, and more using the free iNaturalist or Seek apps. All observations contribute to our Sanctuary-wide biodiversity project. Whether you’re a seasoned naturalist or just curious about the outdoors, this is a fun and engaging way to connect with nature, contribute to real scientific data, and learn from others.

We’ll be hiking on natural trails that may include uneven terrain, mud, or wet conditions depending on the weather. Expect to spend time both walking and stopping frequently to observe and document species. All ages and experience levels are welcome!

• Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots (closed-toe recommended)
• Weather-appropriate clothing (layers, rain gear if needed)
• Water and snacks
• Sunscreen and/or insect repellent
• A fully charged smartphone

To make the most of your experience, please download and set up one of the following free apps before you arrive, as cell service may be limited on site:

Option 1: iNaturalist (Recommended for full participation)

1. Download “iNaturalist” from the App Store or Google Play
2. Open the app and tap “Sign Up”
3. Create an account using your email, Google, or Apple login
4. Choose a username and password
5. Confirm your email if prompted

Option 2: Seek by iNaturalist (Great for beginners or kids)

1. Download “Seek by iNaturalist” from the App Store or Google Play
2. No account is required to use Seek, but creating an iNaturalist account separately will allow you to contribute observations

If you plan to use iNaturalist, we recommend logging in ahead of time and familiarizing yourself with how to take and upload observations.

Come ready to explore, learn, and help us document the amazing biodiversity of Mary Gray Bird Sanctuary. We can’t wait to see what we discover together!

Check out the Mary Gray Bird Sanctuary inaturalist project!

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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Host or Publisher Indiana Audubon Society