Why Participate in Wind River BioBlitz?

If you’re reading this, you probably already know how fun and exciting it is to notice new or uncommon species around you. BioBlitzes feed that sense of curiosity and discovery by encouraging people to observe everything around them, from the moose to the millipedes. By dedicating some time to look for new species, you’re also likely to learn about wildlife you didn’t even know about.

Wind River BioBlitz is also a great opportunity for nature lovers of all backgrounds to spend time together doing something out of the ordinary. No level of expertise is needed, which means people of all ages can enjoy a weekend of exploring nature and the biodiversity in it.

Participating in Wind River BioBlitz also contributes scientific data that are useful to scientists and conservationists working to study and protect the region's wonderful plants and wildlife.

Finally, Wind River BioBlitz provides a hands-on opportunity to learn from experts. Participants will meet local scientists and learn how they study their subjects. Teachers can also receive two Professional Standards Teaching Board (PTSB) credits for participating.

Registration for Wind River BioBlitz 2024 is now closed. View our other events here.

Thanks to generous grants, Wind River BioBlitz is free for all registrants. If you would like to make an optional event donation to help support our Community Naturalist program and future free events, thank you! You may do so here. 

Need more convincing? Here's a video recap of Wyoming BioBlitz 2021:

Wind River Tribal Buffalo Initiative

For more than a century, conservation buffalo were absent from the Wind River Indian Reservation. The Wind River Tribal Buffalo Initiative and their partners are working to bring them back. At BioBlitz this year, we will get to be part of this homecoming by surveying the land to quantify the diversity of the plants and animals as the introduction is underway. Learn more about the initiative here.

Camping, Food, and Water

We will be using the Wind River Tribal Buffalo Initiative Headquarters as our registration and camping site. Camping is included with registration with limited power. Running water is available but you will need to bring reusable water bottles and other containers for your water use. Bathrooms are available on-site.

PTSB Credits

We offer two Professional Standards Teaching Board (PTSB) credits for teachers participating in Wyoming BioBlitz. To receive credits, you must be a PTSB-certified teacher, sign up for the credit by contacting Dusty Downey (ddowney@audubon.org, 504-453-4124), and participate in all activities during the event.

FAQs

1. What types of surveys will there be?

The types of inventory activities will depend on the species that the scientists are trying to find and document. Different groups will look for birds, fish, plants, invertebrates, mammals, microbes, fungi, etc. Some will be land-based; others will require wading in shallow water.

2. Who can participate?

Everyone! Children can participate in inventory activities, but they must be accompanied by an adult. There will also be activities just for children. Teachers can earn 2 PTSB credits. 

3. If I have a mobility issue such as using a wheelchair, can I still participate?

Yes, although many of the survey teams will be on trails that may make participation challenging.

4. What should I wear?

You will be outside and in the field, so you should dress accordingly. Layering is highly recommended to make you most comfortable. You should also bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen to protect you from potential sun exposure. Wear sturdy shoes if you plan on using the hiking trails.

At the Wind River Tribal Buffalo Initiative, the safety of the buffalo is the main priority so we ask people to wear clothes and shoes that have not been worn near or during handling of cattle and sheep. These two species can carry diseases such as Mycoplasma bovis and malignant catarrhal fever (MCF) that are fatal to our buffalo. If you have any questions, please email Albert Mason at albertmason@windriverbuffalo.org.

5. What happens if it rains or there is bad weather?

Nature happens despite the weather. Wind River BioBlitz will take place rain or shine. 

6. Where do I sign up?

Registration for Wind River BioBlitz 2024 is now closed. View our other events here.

Event Organizers

Thank you to our Wind RIver BioBlitz 2024 cohosts, Wind River Tribal Buffalo Initiative, High Plains American Indian Research Institute, UW Biodiversity Institute, Wyoming State Parks, Rocky Mountain Herbarium, and Wyoming Native Plant Society.