Scientists Continue Research Through Night

Sunset came to BioBlitz at around 8:00pm last night and as some of the last groups headed out for field collection an intrepid group continued to record, identify, georeference, and blog straight on through dawn.

Even between 1:00 and 2:00am there was still an eager, but somewhat bleary eyed crew of NG Staffers and volunteers at the scientific tent at Paramount Ranch. Just up the road a few hundred yards several entomologists using sodium lights and a white parachute like backdrop, attracted a diverse set of moths for collection.

Temperatures quickly cooled off and the NG Maps team of Jess Elder, David Wright, and myself made frequent rounds to the food tent for coffee to keep warm. "We've georeferenced and uploaded hundreds of photos taken by teams throughout the day." remarked Elder, "By the time the sun comes up will be ready for the next influx of research."



Now at 6:00am ... a heavy dew is covering most of the surfaces. The bustle of activity is beginning to heat up again. And soon, the sun will peak out from behind the foothills and warm the few of us here up!

Looking at the current species tally board which ran all night, the count is approaching 700 with plants accounting for nearly 65% of the reported finds from the first 18 hours.

More to follow as we march towards the close of BioBlitz Santa Monica!

Welcome to BioBlitz!

Greetings from BioBlitz! Throughout the day (and night) we will be posting photos, videos, and updates from BioBlitz in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. If you're in the area - come on down to Paramount Ranch - our command HQ.

What is BioBlitz?

BioBlitz is a 24-hour event in which teams of scientists, volunteers, and community members join forces to find, identify, and learn about as many local plant and animal species as possible. is helping conduct a BioBlitz in a different park each year during the decade leading up to the U.S. National Park Service centennial in 2016.

Besides live blogging here on Contours - be sure to visit our other BioBlitz Blog, with near real-time geostories, plus map-referenced photos, videos, and more!

Go On Assignment with National Geographic at BioBlitz

Ever dreamed of going On Assignment with National Geographic? If you live in Southern California, now is your chance! Starting Friday May 30th at noon and running for 24 straight hours, National Geographic and National Park Service scientists and naturalists along with thousands of volunteers will comb the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation area and conduct a thorough inventory of plants and animals.

Volunteers can choose from a variety of 4 hour shifts that will team up with an expert and track down specific species. If you love bugs, or prefer hunting for allusive night time creatures - now is your chance! Space is limited so register now.

Visit the National Geographic Maps Team at BioBlitz

If you make it out to BioBlitz, be sure to track down Fran Marshall, Dave Wright, Jess Elder, and myself! We'll be using NG Map's MetaLens multimedia mapping system to capture, record, and map species observations found by the scientists and naturalists. Throughout the event Dave and Jess will be crafting an ongoing “greatest hits” GeoStory (a map-based multimedia slideshow) for the NGS BioBlitz blog that will highlight the diverse species found throughout the event.

Stopping by the Maps tent will give you the chance to try your hand with GPS receivers, digital cameras, and the latest in map technology - plus it might even land you an appearance on the BioBlitz Blog or the TOPO! Explorer Community page for the event.

In addition, the Maps division recently completed a major revision to our Trails Illustrated map of the Santa Monica Mountains NRA. This update was timed specifically for BioBlitz and done in collaboration with local agencies. For those that frequent this amazing park, or those just getting introduced to it, this map is a must have. We will have sample copies on display and the Santa Monica Mountains Nature Association will have copies available for sale.

See you in Santa Monica!