Discover local biodiversity during BioBlitz at Squam Lakes Natural Science Center

HOLDERNESS — Squam Lakes Natural Science Center invites the community to take part in a month-long BioBlitz this August, a collaborative community science effort to document the incredible diversity of life found across the Science Center's conserved campus.

With more than 200 acres of forests, fields, wetlands, and gardens to explore, the Science Center is home to a variety of plants, animals, fungi, and insects. Throughout August, visitors of all ages are encouraged to help discover and record the species they encounter using the free iNaturalist app.

Every observation made throughout the month helps document the plants, animals, fungi, and insects that call the Science Center home while contributing valuable data to the global iNaturalist database. These discoveries help scientists and land managers better understand and protect the ecosystems that make this landscape thrive. Whether one photographs a butterfly, identifies a native wildflower, spots a fungus, or observes a bird along the trail, each observation adds to the understanding of New Hampshire’s biodiversity.

New to iNaturalist? The Science Center will offer introductory sessions every Monday and Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. throughout August. These short programs will introduce participants to the app, demonstrate how to make observations, and provide tips for documenting wildlife before heading out to explore the trails.

Participants can also join Walks with an Expert, a series of guided programs led by scientists and naturalists. These walks will focus on topics including moths, invasive plants, birds, flowers and shrubs, offering participants the opportunity to learn identification skills while exploring the Science Center's diverse habitats.

The August BioBlitz is open to visitors of all ages and experience levels. For more information about the BioBlitz, the schedule of Walks with an Expert, and registration details, visit nhnature.org.