Spring 2025 was a monumental time for the Friends of Detweiler Park. The Friends hosted their first annual Discover Detweiler BioBlitz! The goal of this event is to encourage people of all ages to venture outdoors and identify what is around them, continuing to learn and discover the plants and animals that call Detweiler Park home.
What is a BioBlitz? A BioBlitz is like a nature treasure hunt! It’s a fun, community science event where people—scientists, students, families, and nature lovers—come together to find and record as many plants, animals, fungi, and other living things as possible in a specific area over a short period of time (usually a few hours or a day). Participants take photos of wildlife using a phone or camera, then upload those photos to iNaturalist – a free app that helps you identify your surroundings with the help of expert scientists from around the world. BioBlitz events also help scientists understand local biodiversity and raise awareness about nature and conservation.
Various local organizations joined the Friends for this event to share their mission and help event goers identify their findings. These organizations included: Dauphin County Conservation District, Dauphin County Anglers & Conservationists, Dauphin County Woodland Owners Association, Appalachian Audubon, Manada Conservancy, and Chesapeake Bay Foundation.
A total of 80 species were observed during the event! A combined list of species from iNaturalist, eBird, and various experts onsite that day can be found HERE.
The Friends of Detweiler Park extend a huge THANK YOU to all of the volunteers, organizations, and nature enthusiasts who joined in the event on that beautiful Spring day!
STAY TUNED for information on next year’s event!
