The Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument is a hotspot for biodiversity with over 2,400 species and counting. Join our ongoing efforts to find and document the species found in the Monument by participating in our week-long Spring BioBlitz.
This event is an opportunity to get involved in conservation and contribute to genuine scientific research. A BioBlitz is a species-finding and identifying event designed to showcase the biological diversity found within the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument. People of all ages are encouraged to explore any of the designated trails while observing, identifying, and counting plant and animal species using the free smartphone app iNaturalist.
From 4/23 - 4/29, go outside, explore any of the over 280+ miles of designated trails in the Monument and use the free smartphone app iNaturalist to identify any plants or animals you see. Alternatively, you can upload your photos from your computer at iNaturalist.org to share with us. Click here for basic information on using iNaturalist.
For this BioBlitz, go to Projects in iNaturalist and search for: Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monumnet.. Select Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument and join the project. Then choose this project when uploading your photos.
As an added bonus, you will have an opportunity to go out with our local researchers and specialists during the Spring Bioblitz event.
Tuesday, April 25, 8 AM - 2 PM - Martinez Landslide Bioblitz in the Santa Rosa Mtns
Maximum hike length is 3.2 miles roundtrip
Hike rating is EASY
Hike will take place in a rocky wash and up to the toe of the slope of the Martinez Landslide
Will have to drive about 0.5 miles down BLM designated route. High clearance vehicle recommended
Saturday, April 29, 8 AM - 2 PM - Vargas Palms Bioblitz in the San Jacinto Mtns
Maximum hike length is 3.5 miles roundtrip.
Hike rating is EASY
Hike will take place through a desert wash and up to a CA fan palm oasis along the base of the mountain
Will not do any off-road driving
*Participants must RSVP to Dani (ddortiz@blm.gov) and Monzerrat (mloza@desertmountains.org) to participate in one or both of these in-person events on 4/25 and 4/29.
Sponsored by the Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service in collaboration with the Friends of the Desert Mountains.
THE REGISTRATION ABOVE IS TO PARTICIPATE IN THE WEEK-LONG EVENT.
REGISTRATION FOR A DAY OUT WITH OUR RESEARCHERS IS VIA THE EMAILS LISTED. Space will be limited, so sign up ASAP after receiving notice. This is a free event.