
Ready to turn our community into a living science lab? Join the City of Brooksville Parks & Recreation for a morning of exploration and discovery during our Parks for Pollinators BioBlitz at Tom Varn Park!
Whether you're a backyard bug expert, a plant enthusiast, an avid birder, or simply love spending time outdoors, this event is for you! Together, we'll explore the park and document as many living species as possible in just four hours while helping scientists better understand the incredible biodiversity found right here in Brooksville.
Fun for all ages!
What is a BioBlitz?
A BioBlitz is a fast-paced community science event where participants work together to identify and record as many plants, insects, birds, fungi, and other wildlife as possible within a designated area. It's an exciting way to explore your local park, discover species you never knew existed, and contribute valuable scientific data that helps protect our natural resources.
Our BioBlitz is part of the Parks for Pollinators initiative, a nationwide campaign that raises awareness about the importance of pollinators and encourages communities to protect native habitats. Pollinators are responsible for more than 75% of the world's flowering plants and 35% of food crops, meaning one out of every three bites of food we eat depends on pollinators like bees, butterflies, beetles, moths, birds, and more. By documenting the species living in our parks, you're helping us better understand and protect these essential members of our ecosystem.
Become a Citizen Scientist
Participating is easy! All you need is a smartphone with a camera. We'll be using the free iNaturalist app to photograph and record the plants, insects, animals, and other organisms we discover throughout the park.
When you upload a photo through iNaturalist, the app records the location and time of your observation. A global community of naturalists and scientists then helps identify what you've found, creating valuable data used by researchers around the world to monitor biodiversity and conservation efforts.
Never used iNaturalist before? No problem! Our staff will be available to help you download the app, show you how it works, and offer tips on spotting wildlife throughout the park. No experience is necessary—just bring your curiosity!
Meet us at 8:00 AM as we kick off a morning of exploration, learning, and discovery. Every observation counts, and every participant helps create a snapshot of the amazing wildlife that calls Tom Varn Park home.
Come explore, discover, and help protect Brooksville's natural world—one observation at a time!
What to Bring:
Smartphone with the free iNaturalist app (or download it when you arrive)
Comfortable walking shoes
Water bottle
Sunscreen
Hat and weather-appropriate clothing
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