How many animal species can you count in your backyard or neighborhood park? To help you conduct your own Bio Blitz, we’ve put together a field journal where you can make notes and drawings to record your findings. Print out this pdf and begin your Bio Blitz!

1. Pick a small plot of land to explore, such as a backyard, a corner of your local park, or a section of the school playground.
2. Bring your Field Journal, a magnifying glass, and a pencil with you. You can use the ruler on page 20 of your journal to measure small specimens.
3. You should observe live specimens, so handle bugs gently if you touch them.
4. Don’t touch mammals, birds, reptiles, or
5. amphibians.
6. Look under rocks and logs, but be sure to replace
7. them when you are done.
8. Don’t touch trash or garbage.
9. Don’t forget to check out the soil--it’s teeming with life!

Now go out and meet your neighbors!

art by David Clark