What happens when a community comes together to observe the world around them more closely? The Flower-A-Thon gives us the answer.
Over the course of one exciting week, dozens of participants spread out across eight nature preserves on wildflower scavenger hunts, documenting every bloom they could find. What began as a fun challenge quickly evolved into something much more significant.
In total, participants made 489 observations on iNaturalist and identified 121 species of flowering plants! They discovered rare and threatened wildflowers, including a new population at Delshire Nature Preserve. Each photo contributed to a growing database that enhances our understanding of biodiversity in the region and how it is changing over time. The total number of species documented in the corridor on iNaturalist also grew to over 820!
Purple Phacelia found at Delshire Nature Preserve.
The Flower-A-Thon was not just about the numbers; it was about community, exploring the nature in our neighborhoods, and appreciating the incredible biodiversity around us. The Flower-A-Thon demonstrates how citizen science observations can play a crucial role in conservation and research. Thank you to all of the sponsors, volunteers, hike leaders, and participants who made the event a success!