MIDDLESEX COUNTY, NJ – This September, the Middlesex County Office of Parks and Recreation will host a month-long BioBlitz as part of the National Recreation and Park Association’s (NRPA) Parks for Pollinators campaign. The nationwide initiative invites community members to capture photos of local plants and pollinators, helping create a snapshot of the biodiversity thriving within Middlesex County’s 11,000+ acres of parkland.

"On behalf of the Middlesex County Board of County Commissioners, we are proud to once again participate in the Parks for Pollinators BioBlitz campaign," said Middlesex County Commissioner Director Ronald G. Rios. "This initiative reflects our strong commitment to preserving the County’s beautiful natural habitats. I encourage everyone to get outside, enjoy our parks, and join us in building pollinator-friendly spaces that protect biodiversity today and for future generations."

"The Parks for Pollinators BioBlitz offers residents a hands-on way to contribute to a national effort while discovering the diverse ecosystems in our own backyard," said Middlesex County Commissioner Charles E. Tomaro, Chair of the County's Infrastructure Management Committee. "I look forward to seeing how this program supports our local environment and sparks greater environmental learning and collaboration across our communities."

HOW IT WORKS

Launched in 2018, the Parks for Pollinators BioBlitz is a partnership between the NRPA and The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation. Using the iNaturalist app, participants take and submit photos of pollinators and plants found in Middlesex County’s 19 parks and open space preserves throughout the month of September. To participate, follow the below steps:

• Download the iNaturalist app on your smartphone or tablet
• Visit any Middlesex County park or open space preserve
• Snap and upload photos of pollinators or plants
• Observations are shared on the iNaturalist website and contribute to global biodiversity data

At the conclusion of the BioBlitz, the Middlesex County Office of Parks and Recreation will compile a species list for each County park. These findings will be publicly available on iNaturalist and may also be used by scientists worldwide. Submissions that receive community-confirmed identifications earn a “Research Grade” status, contributing to the Global Biodiversity Information Facility database — an international resource for scientific research and environmental studies.

For more information on how to participate in Middlesex County’s Parks for Pollinators BioBlitz, visit middlesexcountynj.gov/bioblitz.

Information about Middlesex County parks ― including park locations, hours, and details about the various amenities available at each park ― can be found at middlesexcountynj.gov.

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