Throughout the month of September 2025, Pinellas County residents are invited to participate in a month-long, hands-on citizen science project: the Parks for Pollinators BioBlitz, a collaboration between Pinellas County Parks and Conservation Resources’ Bee City USA project and the City of Largo Parks Division.
The goal? Document native pollinators and pollinator-friendly plants in local parks and preserves using the free iNaturalist app. Participants of all ages and experience levels can join the national movement to better understand pollinator populations and help conserve the habitats they rely on.
“Our native pollinators — bees, butterflies, moths, hummingbirds, and even some beetles and flies — are essential to healthy ecosystems and our food supply,” says James Stevenson, Botanist with Pinellas County Parks and Conservation Resources. “Unfortunately, their habitats have been shrinking due to development, fragmentation, and invasive species. The BioBlitz helps us document where these important species still thrive.”
How to Join: 1. Download the iNaturalist app or sign up at www.inaturalist.org.
2. Visit any Pinellas County park or preserve between September 1–30.
3. Take photos of native pollinators or pollinator plants.
4. Upload them to iNaturalist — they’ll automatically count toward the local and national BioBlitz project.
Whether it’s a butterfly on your lunch break or a bee in your backyard, every observation counts.
Kick-Off Event – September 13, 9:00 AM to Noon
Join us at Largo Central Park Nature Preserve 150 Highland Ave N, Largo, FL 33770
Meet local naturalists, learn how to use the iNaturalist app, and explore the trails to make your first observations with experts on hand.
“The kickoff event is a great chance to meet your community, learn how to use iNaturalist, and start your BioBlitz journey,” says Taylor Kahns, Parks Superintendent for the City of Largo. “Even if you can’t attend in person, we hope you’ll explore your neighborhood parks and help us track these incredible species.”
This project is part of the National Parks for Pollinators Initiative, led by the National Recreation and Park Association to engage communities in protecting pollinators and their habitat.
|
