The Parks and Recreation Department is hosting a BioBlitz on Saturday, Sept. 26 from 10 a.m.– 12 p.m. at Everett N. "Eddie" Souza Park & Community Garden as part of the National Parks for Pollinators campaign, which is aimed at raising public awareness about the importance of pollinators and positioning parks as national leaders in advancing pollinator health and native habitat.  

Pollinators are a vital component of our ecosystem, and an essential link to the world’s food supply. According to the White House’s Pollinators Health Task Force, during the last 30 years, the United States has seen a steady decline of pollinators (such as bees, bats and butterflies) at an alarming rate of 30 percent annually — making it vital to take action on pollinator protection.  
 
A BioBlitz is an event where community members work with park staff to create a snapshot of the variety of wildlife that can be found in the area. We use an app called iNaturalist to take pictures of plants, insects, and animals to see what wildlife is present in the park on this day and provide us with more information about pollinators, which are essential to our ecosystem. This information will help us understand how we can better protect pollinators and other important wildlife in our community. During the event, there will be guest speakers talking about the types of pollinators found the garden and children activities as well. 

Find more information here.

Special Guests:

• BioBlitz.Club (co-host) - Hosts citizen science events all over the south Bay Area. 
• Santa Clara County Master Gardeners - The Master Gardeners will kick off the event with a presentation on how to create your own pollinator habitats

To participate in this event: 

1. Register for BioBlitz on Saturday, Sept. 28 from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. (free to attend, open to the first 100 registrants).
2. Then join iNaturalist and start practicing in your back yard or local parks so all your photos count toward the event stats.