news release

The Indian River Neighborhood Association, Inc. (IRNA) is excited to  announce the inaugural “Indian River County BioBlitz.” The Indian River County BioBlitz, is a week-long celebration  of local biodiversity taking place from April 19 through April 25, 2026, hosted by IRNA as part of the Indian River  Biodiversity Initiative.

A BioBlitz is a hands-on community science event where scientists, naturalists, students, families, and nature lovers  work together to find and document as many species as possible in a specific area over a short period of time.  Known worldwide for helping people connect with nature, a BioBlitz provides a snapshot of the incredible variety  of life, including plants, insects, birds, fungi, and more that makes our local habitats so special.

This event matters because it generates real, usable data that scientists, conservation planners, and even the  community rely on to better understand and protect ecosystems. Volunteers become “citizen scientists,” contributing observations that help fill gaps in our knowledge of local flora and fauna while strengthening  environmental awareness and stewardship.

Participation is easy and flexible. You can document species independently in your own backyard, schoolyard,  neighborhood, favorite green space or even join one of IRNA’s scheduled guided hikes or group outings throughout  the week. No experience is required, just curiosity and a willingness to explore! Participants use the free iNaturalist  app, find the Indian River County BioBlitz Project, and then record observations at any time throughout the week of  April 19-25- so mark your calendars! 

According to Missy Weiss, IRNA’s Chief Science Officer, “Projects like the Indian River County BioBlitz empower  community members to actively engage with their environment while helping document the region’s remarkable  biodiversity. Every observation contributes to a deeper understanding of our local ecosystems and supports  ongoing efforts to protect and restore them.”

WHEN: Week of April 19-25

WHERE: Across Indian River County but also at several local preserves and parks. For a list of scheduled group  walks, please visit https://www.indianriverna.com/event-list (Times vary. For specific times and sampling locations,  please contact Missy Weiss at Missy@IndianRiverNA.com or call 631-806-8725) 

The Indian River County BioBlitz is one of two community science projects by the IRNA, a Vero Beach-based non profit organization focused on identifying, studying, educating, and advocating for sustainable growth and  environmental issues for the benefit of present and future generations in Indian River County. For more information, visit http://www.IndianRiverNA.com