Summer Nature Challenge

Lafayette Birds crop

Lafayette Summer BioBlitz

Calling all wildlife observers! Help us gather data for the developing Wildlife Plan by participating in a summer-long BioBlitz, or biological inventory, of Lafayette and the surrounding area. It's easy to contribute to community science. Submit observations on the dedicated Lafayette BioBlitz iNaturalist project page. The BioBlitz is ongoing from April 29 through July 31. The top five final leaders on the project board get to choose from assorted prizes like binoculars, field guides, and more. Prizes are limited to one per household.

How to become a Lafayette Summer Bioblitz project member:

Desktop Instructions

  1. Visit the iNaturalist project page
  2. Log in or sign up for an iNaturalist account
  3. In the top right of the blue "About" box, click "Join" to become a project member
  4. On the following page, click the button "Yes, I want to join"
  5. Download the iNaturalist app on your smartphone, and log in. 
  6. Get outside! Make observations by clicking the "Observe" button on the bottom middle of the screen. Visit the "Getting Started" page to learn more about making observations.
  7. Since you are already signed up for the project, all observations within the project boundaries will appear on the project page.

Mobile Instructions

  1. Download the iNaturalist app
  2. Log in or sign up for an iNaturalist account
  3. Click the bottom right icon named "Projects"
  4. Click the top right magnifying glass and search for "Lafayette Summer BioBlitz" and select it
  5. Click "Join" in the top left
  6. Get outside! Make observations by clicking the "Observe" button on the bottom middle of the screen. Visit the "Getting Started" page to learn more about making observations
  7. Since you are already signed up for the project, all observations within the project boundaries will appear on the project page.

Tips for Better ObservationsMonarch larvae on leaf

  • Make sure your location is turned on when taking photos with a mobile device. 
    • Photos with location enabled will import directly into iNaturalist with latitude and longitude information. If not, you will have to manually pick a location on the app.
  • If using the app directly to take a photo, make sure location permissions are enabled within the app.
  • Higher photo resolution is better to help identify.
  • Crop photos down to the subject, without making it too pixelated.
  • Identify the species first yourself if you can but if not…
    • Add the photo to iNaturalist and let the AI algorithm suggest a species based on your location.
    • If you’re uncertain, submit the most likely species and let the iNaturalist community decide collectively on an ID.