Neighborhood BioBlitz Board
The Neighborhood BioBlitz Board is a simple, collaborative display where patrons share sightings from their neighborhoods, backyards, local parks, or library grounds. It creates a community-generated snapshot of local biodiversity while quietly introducing patrons to iNaturalist.
The board is entirely self-guided. Staff only need to refill cards, print occasional iNaturalist sightings, and tidy the board. The community provides the content through drawings, notes, and shared observations.
Because patrons continually refresh the board with their discoveries, the display builds local engagement, encourages everyday observation, and naturally promotes citizen science without requiring staff instruction.
Program Overview
This passive program features a public display titled “Neighborhood BioBlitz: What Did You Observe This Week?” Patrons of all ages can add drawings, notes, photos, or sightings. Staff provide simple supplies and refresh materials occasionally, but community members generate the content.
Learning Outcomes
Encourage everyday observation and curiosity about local species
Build community awareness of local biodiversity
Introduce patrons to iNaturalist in a low-pressure and engaging way
Support creative expression through drawings, notes, and photos
Audience
All ages. Families, kids, teens, adults, and anyone interested in nature or community displays.
Program Length
Ongoing passive program
Visitors contribute at any time during open hours
Staff refresh materials periodically
Preparation Checklist
Blank cards or sticky notes for writing observations
Pens, markers, and crayons for drawing species
Sticky notes or magnets for attaching materials
Optional printed iNaturalist photos from Montana
Take it to the next level
Add QR codes linking to:
iNaturalist app download page
Your library’s local iNaturalist project
Recent observations in Montana
iNaturalist photo‑taking tips
Feature “Most Observed This Week/Month/Season” with several local species
Kid‑Friendly Prompts: Draw something interesting you saw outside
Share a bug you spotted today
Use Seek by iNaturalist to discover new species
Rotate simple seasonal themes to keep the board fresh:
Spring: What’s starting to bloom?
Summer: What’s buzzing, crawling, or flying?
Fall: Show us your favorite leaves
Winter: Tracks and birds — what did you spot?