Bioblitz
A bioblitz is an event where people work together to identify all the species that are present on a site. The Make a Difference class conducted a bioblitz to identify plants, search for wildlife sign, identify aquatic species, and test water quality. We were lucky to have the Keep it Clean Partnership and City of Boulder Watershed Outreach Program supporting our water inventory and testing for the bioblitz. Participation in the bioblitz is intended to be a fun and educational means of exploring Burke Park.
During the bioblitz, students searched for wildlife, painted with soils, identified and painted plants, and tested water. After two days of exploring the ecology of Burke Park, students discovered that a lot of life exists there! Before beginning this MAD class, the park was just any old park and seemingly simple. Now, the students point out where bulrush, cattails, willows, and cottonwood grow. They also noticed animal scat and footprints and realized that this area is a habitat to creatures such as ducks, raccoons, squirrels, and geese. In addition to plants and animals, students came upon spider webs and bees nests (see map, far right). With this new knowledge, students can confidently move into the design phase of the project with a better understanding of how their design ideas can draw from and might impact life in the park.
During the bioblitz, students searched for wildlife, painted with soils, identified and painted plants, and tested water. After two days of exploring the ecology of Burke Park, students discovered that a lot of life exists there! Before beginning this MAD class, the park was just any old park and seemingly simple. Now, the students point out where bulrush, cattails, willows, and cottonwood grow. They also noticed animal scat and footprints and realized that this area is a habitat to creatures such as ducks, raccoons, squirrels, and geese. In addition to plants and animals, students came upon spider webs and bees nests (see map, far right). With this new knowledge, students can confidently move into the design phase of the project with a better understanding of how their design ideas can draw from and might impact life in the park.