Pearson-Arastradero Preserve has expansive oak woodlands and grasslands with beautiful trees and wildflowers and is home to an abundance of wildlife, including deer, bobcats, coyotes, and many species of birds and insects. Grassroots Ecology naturalists will lead groups on a scavenger hunt to discover and record the awesome biodiversity supported there. This bioblitz is your chance to explore the preserve in-depth!
A bioblitz is an effort to record as many plant and wildlife species as possible (bio-) at a specific location over a specific timeframe (-blitz). During this bioblitz we will use iNaturalist to catalog all the different species we find at Arastradero Preserve. These observations will be counted in the City Nature Challenge (CNC).
The CNC is an annual four-day global bioblitz at the end of April, where cities are in a collaboration-meets-friendly-competition to see not only what can be accomplished when we all work toward a common goal, but also which city can gather the most observations of nature, find the most species, and engage the most people in the event.
By participating in the City Nature Challenge, not only do you learn more about your local nature, but you can also make it a better place – for you and other species!
Attendees should expect to walk 1-3 miles at a slow to moderate pace on gravel and dirt trails. There will be options for different routes.
Using iNaturalist: For this event, we will be using the mobile phone app, iNaturalist. Before you arrive, please download the app on the app store/google play, and create an account. Further information and guidance will be provided before and during the event.
Waivers/Registration: All attendees must be registered individually and have approved the online waiver through this Eventbrite page. Youth under 18 must have their legal guardian approve the waiver on their behalf. Attendees age 12 and under require an accompanying adult.
Parking: 1530 Arastradero Road, Palo Alto. Please carpool if possible; the parking lot can fill up quickly. There will be some parking spaces reserved for the event at the back of the lot. There is no parking available along Arastradero Road.
Alternate Transportation: Bike racks are available near the parking lot. The 280/Page Mill Rd Park and Ride lot is a 10-minute walk from the preserve.
Meeting Space: Past the information kiosk in the parking lot and down the concrete path to the buildings and garden area. Water and restrooms will be accessible at the beginning and at the end of the bioblitz.
Prepare for Exploring Outdoors:
Phone and/or camera
iNaturalist account: Sign up here
Other naturalist supplies if desired: field guides, binoculars, etc
Face mask for COVID-19 safety (optional)
Reusable water bottle
Snacks, if desired
Long pants, long sleeves recommended
Sturdy closed-toed shoes
Hat/sunscreen or rain gear/boots
Epi-Pen or allergy medicine, if applicable
Plan for potential exposure to sun, poison oak, ticks
Prepare for limited to no cell reception, access to [only a pit toilet,] and [no available drinking water]
We will provide [supplies and materials].
COVID-19 Safety
Our staff will carefully adhere to safety protocols we have developed in compliance with public health guidelines. View our COVID-19 safety protocols here. As of March 1, 2022, masks are optional for all staff and volunteers.
Event Cancellations:
We are committed to the safety of our staff and community. In the event that we must cancel an event due to extreme weather conditions or poor air quality, a Grassroots Ecology staff person will reach out via email no later than 5:00 PM the day prior to this event.
Join Us!
Grassroots Ecology encourages people from all identities and backgrounds to participate in our programs. Many of our programs are outdoors and involve moving and working in a variety of landscapes. If you have accessibility concerns (e.g. allergies, limited mobility, learning differences), our projects are flexible and we are happy to work with you. Please reach out to the event facilitator so we can prepare for your participation.
Accessibility concerns? Questions? Cancellations? Email hannah@grassrootsecology.org
