BioBlitz 2026

Event information:

• Date: Saturday, June 13, 2026
• Time: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Audience: Everyone
• Location: Kellogg Bird Sanctuary (meet at the BioBlitz tent near the Sanctuary parking lot 10 minutes before survey time)
• Cost: Free for those participating in Bioblitz (Note: Sanctuary admission fees will apply for those not participating)
• Registration: Required

REGISTRATION OPTIONS:

• Participant Registration:  closes June 11, 2026 
• Scientist and Expert Registration: closes March 23, 2026 
• Volunteer Registration:  closes March 23, 2026
• Educational Exhibitor Registration:  closes June 08, 2026

What to expect:

Join us on Saturday, June 13th, for an unforgettable exploration of biodiversity at the Kellogg Bird Sanctuary. KBS naturalists and local scientists will guide and inspire participants as we document the diversity of life within the sanctuary.

Registered BioBlitz participants will receive free entry into the sanctuary, and can learn about the work of local organizations, upcoming events, and how to get involved in local conservation efforts. Please note that admission fees will apply for individuals and groups not participating in the BioBlitz event.

The Sanctuary BioBlitz event has three goals. 

• Aims to encourage and support the public’s appreciation of biodiversity through hands-on exploration and citizen science. 
• Seeks to collect and provide valuable data for KBS faculty research and conservation efforts on the distribution of species within the Sanctuary property. 
• Works to raise awareness about the value of waterfowl and other organisms found within the Sanctuary for the enjoyment and education of our guests.

Who should attend? People of all ages can participate; bring the whole family! Anyone who wants to improve their naturalist and identification knowledge and/or skills is welcome; including families, community groups, and nature enthusiasts. 

What if I don’t know anything? No problem! The morning and afternoon sessions include a brief tutorial on how to use the iNaturalist app on your phone. Each group will also have a lead expert and scientist to help with identification.

How to participate? 

• Register early to join a field team and focus on a species that you are most interested in surveying.
• Choose the self-guided option to document your observations independently using iNaturalist. This is free for all who register and is a great way to participate at your own pace.

Where is the event location? This event is held at The Kellogg Bird Sanctuary and participants should meet at the BioBlitz tent near the Sanctuary parking lot 10 minutes before survey time.

Self-Guided Option:

Groups and individuals who prefer this option may begin at any time between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. (Eastern Daylight Time) and includes free admission to the Bird Sanctuary.  

Field Team Schedules and Options:

(Eastern Daylight Time)

Morning Surveys:

• 9:00 a.m. – Welcome and check-in
• 9:30 a.m. – Orientation for all field teams
• 9:45 a.m. – Join field teams (Field Teams depart at this time)

Field Team Options:  This registration option includes free admission to the Bird Sanctuary and free Lunch.

• Bees team: Look for native bees in the prairie. 
• Birds (Prairie) team: Follow a set route to observe and record bird sightings and sounds. 
• Butterfly team: Use nets to catch and record butterflies. 
• Dragonflies team: Conduct aerial surveys around the wetland paths. 
• Herps team (9:45 a.m. – 11:45): Record amphibians and reptiles in the survey sites. This team has a longer distance to travel to reach their area. 
• Living on the edge team: Document organisms in urban settings.

Lunch Break :

• 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. – Lunch (provided for event volunteers and participants in a field team)

Afternoon Surveys:

• 12:30 p.m. – Orientation for all field teams
• 12:45 p.m. – Join field teams (field teams depart at this time)

Field Team Options: 

• Aquatic Macroinvertebrates team: uses leaf packs as traps to collect data on the abundance of aquatic macroinvertebrates
• Birds (Forest) team: follows a set route to record bird sightings and sounds
• Bugs in the trees team: captures insects that live in trees and shrubs
• Insect traveling cross-country team: collects ground-dwelling arthropods
• Prairie plants team: studies how the plant communities change over time
• Forest plants team: documents the communities of plants in the forest

Celebration:

• 2:45 – 3:00 p.m. – “What did we find?” Celebration and time to mingle with other BioBlitz participants.

The BioBlitz planning team looks forward to seeing you!

Questions? Please call (269) 671-2510 or email birdsanctuary@kbs.msu.edu.