Question 1

What is an EcoBlitz?

Accepted Answer

Similar to a Bioblitz, an EcoBlitz is a community-science effort to make as many environmental observations (e.g., record species present, measure temperature or water quality) within a designated location and time period as possible. 
 
Thjis event is unique in that it emphasizes the Center for Integrated Watershed Studies's interdisciplinary nature by collecting data on plant, animal and fungi species, but also geological and environmental toxicological data, such as soil moisture, organic matter content, pH, conductivity, and nitrogen. 
 
You can read more about what a BioBlitz is here: 
https://www.nationalgeographic.org/encyclopedia/bioblitz/(https://www.nationalgeographic.org/encyclopedia/bioblitz/)
https://www.inaturalist.org/pages/bioblitz%252Bguide(https://www.inaturalist.org/pages/bioblitz%252Bguide)

Question 2

How long is the 2026 Annual EcoBlitz?

Accepted Answer

The 2026 Annual EcoBlitz will be from Sunday, April 19th to Saturday, May 4th.

Question 3

Where will the 2026 Annual EcoBlitz take place?

Accepted Answer

The 2026 Annual EcoBlitz data collection will take place on all Binghamton University properties, including Binghamton University campus, Nature Preserve, and Nuthatch Hollow.  The Kickoff Event will be in Lot M1, across from the nature preserve.

Question 4

Who can participate in the 2026 Annual EcoBlitz?

Accepted Answer

The 2026 Annual EcoBlitz  is open to the public, including members of the local community and people associated with the university (students, faculty, staff, alumni, family, friends).

The EcoBlitz is family friendly and children are encourage to participate with parental supervision.

Question 5

Are there Prizes for the 2026 Annual EcoBlitz?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We will be giving away various prizes for the winners of the following categories:
 • Most number of observations on the 2026 EcoBlitz iNaturalist Project
 • Most number of unique species on the 2026 EcoBlitz iNaturalist Project
 • Coolest observation of a plant or fungi
 • Coolest observation of an invertebrate (insects, arachnids, gastropods, etc.)
 • Coolest observation of a vertebrate (birds, amphibians, etc.)

Question 6

What are the requirements to be considered for a Prize?

Accepted Answer

The first 50 people at the event will get a Foldscope and extra raffle ticket for a prize!

In order to be in the running for an observation-based prize, your observations on iNaturalist need to be submitted between April 19th – May 4th* and located on Binghamton property (campus, the Nature Preserve, and Nuthatch Hollow). We will announce winners at the conclusion of the EcoBlitz! 
*Binghamton courses connected to the EcoBlitz may begin collection earlier.