Event Details
Seacoast Science Center will host its 24th annual BioBlitz on Sunday, September 20, from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Odiorne Point State Park in Rye. The day-long community science event brings scientists, naturalists, students, families and nature enthusiasts together to explore the park and document as many species as possible.
Participants will search a variety of habitats across Odiorne Point’s 135-acre coastal campus, including rocky shores, tide pools, forests, fields and wetlands. Along the way, they’ll learn how species are connected, how scientists monitor biodiversity, and why healthy coastal habitats are important to conservation and climate resilience.
Since the first BioBlitz in 2003, participants and scientists have identified more than 2,400 species at Odiorne Point. The resulting catalog provides a valuable snapshot of the park’s biodiversity and helps demonstrate the variety of life found within this coastal ecosystem.
For those who prefer to explore from a home base, the Gregg Interactive Learning Studio will serve as BioBlitz headquarters and a field laboratory throughout the day. Visitors can observe insects and other tiny organisms under microscopes, examine seaweeds and fungi, view images from past BioBlitz discoveries, learn about species identification, and connect with participating scientists and naturalists.
BioBlitz also emphasizes responsible exploration. Participants will be encouraged to bring refillable water bottles and reusable containers for food and snacks as part of the Center’s commitment to making the event zero waste. Team leaders will review responsible field practices, and any specimens collected for observation and identification will be returned to their habitats.
“BioBlitz is a wonderful opportunity for people of all ages to experience science in action,” said Community Program Naturalist Katie Brodeur. “You don’t have to be a scientist or naturalist to participate. It’s about getting outside, paying attention to the world around us, asking questions and discovering how much life is right here in our own community.”
Whether experienced in nature observation or simply curious about the natural world, participants are invited to join this annual effort to explore and document the biodiversity of Odiorne Point.
For more information and registration details, visit seacoastsciencecenter.org/bioblitz. To learn more about group participation or the event, contact Katie Brodeur at 436-8043 or k.brodeur@sscnh.org.