Middlesex Co. Parks Launch September BioBlitz To Document Biodiversity

MIDDLESEX COUNTY, NJ — Here's your chance to become a citizen scientist. This September, Middlesex County has launched a month-long BioBlitz that combines outdoor recreation with environmental research.

The county's Office of Parks and Recreation is participating in the National Recreation and Park Association's Parks for Pollinators campaign, encouraging community members to photograph and catalog the diverse plant and pollinator species found across the county's extensive park system.

Participants use the free iNaturalist app to capture and submit photos of pollinators and plants discovered throughout Middlesex County's 19 parks and open-space preserves, which cover more than 11,000 acres of diverse habitats.

Commissioner Director Ronald G. Rios emphasized the county's commitment to preserving natural habitats while creating pollinator-friendly spaces for current and future generations.

"On behalf of the Middlesex County Board of County Commissioners, we are proud to once again participate in the Parks for Pollinators BioBlitz campaign," Rios said. "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."

Commissioner Charles E. Tomaro, who chairs the Infrastructure Management Committee, highlighted how the BioBlitz offers residents a hands-on opportunity to contribute to national conservation efforts while exploring local ecosystems.

"I look forward to seeing how this program supports our local environment and sparks greater environmental learning and collaboration across our communities," Tomaro said.

The BioBlitz leverages technology to make scientific participation accessible to everyone. Residents simply download the iNaturalist app, visit any Middlesex County park, and photograph interesting pollinators or plants they encounter. The app uploads these observations to a shared database where they contribute to global biodiversity research.

No special expertise is required—just curiosity and a smartphone or tablet.

The Parks for Pollinators BioBlitz, launched in 2018 through a partnership between NRPA and The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation, has created a robust framework for citizen science. Middlesex County will compile species lists for each participating park, making findings publicly available through iNaturalist's platform.

Submissions that receive community-confirmed identifications achieve "Research Grade" status, qualifying them for inclusion in the Global Biodiversity Information Facility database.

Interested participants can find detailed information at middlesexcountynj.gov/bioblitz, while general park information including locations, hours, and amenities is available at middlesexcountynj.gov.