CHNEP Volunteer Events
April: Celebrate Earth Day
Paddle the Gulf BioBlitz
April 22nd - 24th
Calling all citizen scientist volunteers, you are invited to participate in one of the largest biodiversity events focused on the Gulf of Mexico region! A bioblitz is a citizen-science effort to record as many species within a designated location and time period as possible. They can generate useful data about biodiversity in an area for science and conservation, as well as help us connect with the environment around us.
Participants will be joining from Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida through Paddle the Gulf. During Earth Day weekend get out on the water to paddle a local river, stream or estuary and identify different plants and animals along the way using the iNaturalist app on your cell phone. Paddle the Gulf is an initiative to inspire people to become more connected to nature by exploring coastal streams and rivers that flow into the Gulf of Mexico.
Using the iNaturalist app on the phone you will join the 'Paddle the Gulf: 2022 Earth Day Bioblitz' event and upload your observations as you go. For those who are new to using the iNaturalist app and would like to learn more, please check out this link: iNaturalist training.
The event occurs from April 22nd - 24th, this self-guided participation in your own waterway with friends and family. Please use the links on this page as a resource for instructions on how to participate or download instructions below. Email Nicole at niadevaia@chnep if you have any additional questions.
WHAT: Paddle the Gulf BioBlitz
WHEN: April 22nd - April 24th
WHERE: Your local waterway!
PARTICIPATE AT HOME!
Plastic waste from single use containers is a huge issue facing our environment... 90% of the trash floating in our oceans is made from plastic. These last few months we have found ourselves using it more than ever. In the water, plastic waste breaks apart into small toxic pieces called microplastics. CLICK HERE to learn more about how CHNEP helps monitor microplastics in our area.
The good news is, we all can be a part of the solution! You can do your own litter cleanup while taking a walk around your neighborhood or local park. Trash on the ground during our summer rainy season will likely be washed into our waterways in the next storm. You can also contribute to the global citizen science effort tracking litter and marine debris.
Download the app here: http://marinedebris.engr.uga.edu/tracking/
Want to stay up-to-date on Monthly Volunteer Events? Sign up to be a CHNEP Volunteer!
Please contact outreach@chnep.org
or call 941-575-3374 for more details