Voyageurs National Park Bioblitz
Voyageurs National Park Bioblitz | August 1–9, 2026
Join Voyageurs National Park and Voyageurs Conservancy for a weeklong BioBlitz celebrating the incredible biodiversity of the park. Visitors, residents, volunteers, scientists, and staff will work together to document as many species as possible—plants, animals, fungi, insects, and more—using the free citizen science platform iNaturalist.
Throughout the week, participants of all ages and experience levels are invited to explore trails, shorelines, and visitor center areas while learning how to observe, identify, and record species in real time. Every observation contributes to ongoing scientific research and helps deepen our understanding of Voyageurs’ unique ecosystems.
This is a hands-on, community-driven science event designed to connect people more deeply with the natural world while supporting real conservation and research efforts inside the park.
What is a Bioblitz?
A BioBlitz is a collaborative effort to document as many species as possible within a specific place and time. During the Voyageurs National Park BioBlitz, participants will use the free iNaturalist app to record observations of plants, animals, fungi, insects, lichens, and other living organisms throughout the park.
Every observation contributes to a better understanding of the park's biodiversity and may support future conservation, research, and natural resource management.
“At its core, iNaturalist is an online social network of people sharing biodiversity information to help each other learn about nature.”
Why Participate?
The BioBlitz is more than an event—it is a collaborative effort to document life in Voyageurs National Park! Participants will:
Contribute directly to real scientific data collection
Learn field identification and observation skills
Engage with scientists, educators, and park staff
Explore a wide range of habitats across the park
Help build a lasting record of biodiversity in a changing landscape
No prior experience is required—just curiosity and a willingness to explore! Join us!
Featured Guided Programs
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Kickoff Event – August 1
9:00–11:00 AM
Rainy Lake Visitor CenterLaunch the BioBlitz with an introduction to biodiversity in Voyageurs National Park, citizen science, and iNaturalist. This short presentation will be followed by a guided nature walk to begin documenting species in the field with National Park and Voyageurs Conservancy Staff.
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Forest Plants & Flora Hike – August 4
9:00 AM–12:00 PM
Blind Ash Bay TrailheadExplore Voyageurs' forest ecosystems alongside Park and Conservancy staff during a guided ecology hike while learning to identify plants, wildlife, fungi, and other species.
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Light Trapping & Insect Identification – August 4
9:00–11:00 PM
Crane Lake Visitor CenterExplore Voyageurs after dark to help document the park's nocturnal biodiversity. Participants will use light trapping to attract moths and other nighttime insects, learn identification techniques, and contribute observations to the BioBlitz through community science.
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Fish & Aquatic Invertebrates – August 5
9:00–10:00 AM
Kabetogama Visitor CenterExplore the hidden world beneath the water's surface! Help check minnow traps, identify native fish, and search the shoreline for aquatic insects, snails, and other freshwater invertebrates while learning about the incredible diversity of Voyageurs' aquatic ecosystems.
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Bumble Bee Atlas Workshop – August 7
10:00–12:00 PM
Rainy Lake Visitor CenterLearn about pollinator conservation through a hands-on Bumble Bee Atlas workshop with the Xerces Society, followed by guided bee surveys in the Ethnobotanical Garden.
The Minnesota Bumble Bee Atlas is a community science project focused on tracking and conserving native bumble bees. Join us to learn how you can become a volunteer! During this event, we'll provide you with hands-on experience where you’ll learn how to swing an insect net, practice photographing and identifying bumble bees, and meet fellow participants.
Registration is required for this event! Register using the button below.
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Ethnobotanical Garden Discovery Tour & Jr. Ranger Program – August 7
12:00–1:00 PM & 1:00–2:00 PM
Rainy Lake Visitor CenterExplore the Ethnobotanical Garden, native plants, pollinator habitat, and invasive species through guided interpretive programs exploring the cultural importance of native plants and how the Ojibwe and other Indigenous peoples have used them for generations, along with a family-friendly Junior Ranger program focused on native plants and invasive species.
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Morning Birding Hike – August 8
7:00–9:00 AM
Beaver Pond Overlook TrailheadDiscover the incredible diversity of life along the Kab-Ash Trail during a guided biodiversity walk through forests and wetlands. Learn to identify birds, plants, insects, fungi, and other wildlife while exploring how these ecosystems are connected. Every observation recorded through iNaturalist contributes to the Voyageurs National Park BioBlitz and helps support community science and conservation.
Things to Know:
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A BioBlitz is a collaborative effort to document as many species as possible within a specific place and time. During the Voyageurs National Park BioBlitz, participants will use the free iNaturalist app to record observations of plants, animals, fungi, insects, lichens, and other living organisms throughout the park.
Every observation contributes to a better understanding of the park's biodiversity and may support future conservation, research, and natural resource management.
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iNaturalist is a free community science app that allows anyone to photograph and identify living organisms while contributing observations to a global biodiversity database used by scientists, land managers, educators, and conservation organizations.
No previous experience is necessary.
Download the app here:
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Yes. Creating a free iNaturalist account before arriving will allow you to upload observations and participate in the Voyageurs National Park BioBlitz project.
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Download the free iNaturalist app.
Create a free account.
Join the Voyageurs National Park BioBlitz project (QR codes and links will also be available at visitor centers and event locations).
Start making observations!
Don’t forget to upload your observations to the project. This requires cell service or wifi!
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No. Participation in the BioBlitz is free!
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Yes!
Observations made during the BioBlitz become part of a global biodiversity database used by researchers, conservation organizations, educators, and land managers. Your observations help improve our understanding of species distributions, seasonal changes, invasive species, and biodiversity in Voyageurs National Park.
