BioBlitz! OK 2021 – BioBitz Schedule

BioBitz are small, in-person activities that will be held at parks across the state during BioBlitz! weekend.

Social distancing and masks are required for attendance.

Click the SIGN UP link to send an email to the activity leader that you will be attending.  Please let them know which activity and what time you want to attend.  After you sign up, the leader will email you details on the time and location for the activity.

Activities will continue to be added to the schedule!  Dates and times are tentative and weather dependent.  Be sure to sign up with the leader so that you get updates.

Deadline to sign up for a BioBit is Thursday Sept. 30, but activities may fill before that date.

Friday, Oct. 1

Saturday, Oct. 2

Activity: Sunrise Walk
Leader: Vonceil Harmon, Oklahoma Biological Survey
Location: Eastwood Park, Norman
Time: 7:00-9:00 a.m.
Description: Exploring the early morning biodiversity
Attendance Limit: 15
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Activity: Birding by Ear
Leader: Josh Smith, Oxley Nature Center
Location: Oxley Nature Center, Tulsa
Time: 8:30-10:00 a.m.
Description: Walking the trails listening for the early birds
Attendance Limit: 10
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Activity: Invertebrate Inventory
Leader: Vonceil Harmon, Oklahoma Biological Survey
Location: Eastwood Park, Norman
Time: 10:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m.
Description: Counting the terrestrial and aquatic invertebrates
Attendance Limit: 15
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Activity: Roman Nose Plant Walk
Leader: Abby Moore, OU Bebb Herbarium and Oklahoma Biological Survey
Location: Meet at the trailhead at the lodge parking lot, Roman Nose State Park
Time: 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Description: We will look at trees and wildflowers at Roman Nose State Park.  This will be a relatively slow walk but will be on trails.
Bring/wear: hiking shoes, water, and snacks
Attendance limit: 15
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Activity: Aquatic Macro Invertebrates
Leader: Rickey Cothran, SWOSU Biology
Location: Roman Nose State Park, Watonga
Time: 2:00-4:00 p.m.
Description: Exploring the aquatic macro inverts that live in the springs, stream, and lake of the park.
Bring/wear: Field clothes, bug spray, water bottle, hat
Attendance Limit: 8
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Activity: Milkweed & Monarch Research
Leader: Abby Cervenka, Oklahoma Biological Survey
Location: OU South Campus, Norman
Time: 3:00-4:00 p.m.
Description: Learn about Monarch butterfly biology, migration, and the connection with milkweeds.  We will also talk about ongoing research on Monarch fall migration and milkweed usage.
Bring/wear: Lawn chair
Attendance Limit: 17
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Activity: Small Mammal Survey, Animal Tracks, & Fluorescent Dusting
Leader: Tony Stancampiano, Oklahoma City University
Location: Roman Nose State Park, Watonga
Time: 5:30 p.m. until dark
Description: Discussion of mammal sampling strategies and techniques.  Set out live traps Saturday evening and collect/check Sunday morning.  Set out track stations and track powder coated mammal using UV lights.  Moderate off trail walking and carrying of equipment.
Bring/wear: Weather appropriate long pants and shirt.
Attendance Limit: 10
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Sunday, Oct. 3

Activity: Morning at Blackbird Marsh
Leader: Amy Morris, Oxley Nature Center
Location: Oxley Nature Center, Tulsa
Time: 7:00 a.m.-9:00 a.m.
Description: What is a wetland, and what special adaptations are needed to live here?  We will explore the wonders of plants and animals that make this area their home. You will need sturdy shoes, bug repellent, and curiosity!
Attendance Limit: 8
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Activity: Small Mammal Survey, Animal Tracks, & Fluorescent Dusting
Leader: Tony Stancampiano, Oklahoma City University
Location: Roman Nose State Park, Watonga
Time: 8:30-10:30 a.m.
Description: Discussion of mammal sampling strategies and techniques.  Set out live traps Saturday evening and collect/check Sunday morning.  Set out track stations and track powder coated mammal using UV lights.  Moderate off trail walking and carrying of equipment.
Bring/wear: Weather appropriate long pants and shirt.
Attendance Limit: 10
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Activity: Discovery Walk
Leader: Rusty Grimpe, retired zoo curator, Oxley Nature Center Volunteer
Location: Oxley Nature Center, Tulsa
Time: 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Description: What can you see in October?  Plenty!!  We will walk and talk about all the things we see!
Bring/Wear: long pants, sturdy shoes, binoculars, bug repellent, and no fear of mud!
Attendance Limit: 12
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Activity: Pond Investigation
Leader: Julie Monnot, Oxley Nature Center
Location: Oxley Nature Center, Tulsa
Time: 1:00-2:00 p.m.
Description: Learn about the importance of clean water while netting the small critters in the Oxley ponds.
Attendance Limit: 10
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Activity: Nature BINGO and Pollinator Seed Bombs
Leader: Abby Cervenka, Oklahoma Biological Survey
Location: Park TBA, Norman
Time: 3:00-4:00 p.m.
Description: Great activity for families with kids of all ages! Get messy making pollinator seed bombs to take home. Play a round or two of a nature themed BINGO with the chance to win small prizes.
Bring/wear: Lawn chair or blanket
Attendance Limit: 25
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Activity: The Natural World at Night
Leaders:  Eddie Reese and Mary Seabourn, Oxley Nature Center
Location: Oxley Nature Center, Tulsa
Time: 6:30 – 8:30p.m.
Description: a guided hike through the forest at night, looking for tracks and learning about various nocturnal species, especially mammals, bats, and owls.  Participants should be prepared to walk a mile outdoors on natural surface trails across uneven ground.  Flashlights/cell phone use is discouraged (but please bring one if you need it). Dark clothing is preferred to help blend in with the night.
Attendance Limit: 12 (2 groups of 6)
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