Supported by a grant from the Massachusetts Environmental Trust (MET), IRWA staff ran a Community BioBlitz at this year’s Riverfest! A BioBlitz brings community members together to identify and record as many species as possible within a designated area. These observations help establish a baseline of local biodiversity, providing valuable information that can be used to measure ecosystem health and evaluate the success of future restoration efforts.
The event featured three hands-on surveys: macroinvertebrate sampling, hula hoop transect surveys, and birding. IRWA staff and volunteers waded into the river with nets and buckets to scoop out all sorts of critters and bugs. With their help, participants in the “Macro Madness” survey identified and categorized the different types of macroinvertebrates found. Some exciting finds included a crayfish, damselfly larvae, a net-spinning caddisfly, and two tiny aquatic snails. Because many macroinvertebrates are sensitive to pollution, their presence can reveal important information about water quality.
Next, participants conducted hula hoop transect surveys, recording plant species found within, touching, and above randomly placed hoops along a 100-foot transect. These surveys help document plant diversity and habitat conditions.
The final hour focused on birding. The Ipswich River is home to a myriad of bird species, many of which were out and about during BioBlitz. Participants used their eyes (with help from binoculars!) to spot birds and used the Merlin Bird ID app to identify their calls. Birds large and small made their presence known, from a Great Blue Heron to a Black Capped Chickadee.
People of all ages engaged with the Community BioBlitz, learning how they can play a role in important science and the wonderful species we share a river with. Be sure to join IRWA for another BioBlitz this fall during Trails & Sails!
Learn more about the Massachusetts Environmental Trust (MET) and how you can support conservation and restoration efforts in Massachusetts!
The Massachusetts Environmental Trust (MET) is a grant program within the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs.
MET’s mission is to protect marine wildlife and restore rivers, streams, and estuaries across Massachusetts. The organization is funded without tax dollars and is guided by a board of private citizens. Each year, MET awards grants to organizations whose projects support conservation and environmental restoration.
A large portion of MET’s funding comes from the Massachusetts Environmental License Plate program. More than 30,000 Massachusetts drivers have chosen these specialty plates, helping to fund projects that protect natural resources and improve local ecosystems. By purchasing an Environmental License Plate, drivers can directly support conservation efforts across the Commonwealth.
