From wetlands to woodlands, dive headfirst into local wildlife at these free COSI Science Festival events

Line up, Columbus-area wildlife lovers.

Each year, the COSI Science Festival hosts a series of BioBlitz events encouraging central Ohio residents to engage with the flora and fauna in their area, and even create a record of it to share.

A Bioblitz–another term for the act of finding and cataloging as many plant and animal species in a given area–is held each year as part of the Festival, and at multiple dates and locations. Using the iNaturalist app, participants can upload photos of different species they’ve taken, which may then be utilized by real biologists and ecologists at a later date.

Participating is as simple as taking a photo of a butterfly in your front yard, but you’re also able to go a bit more off the beaten path through a series of different BioBlitz events.

A handful of events have already taken place, but many more are still available, and all are free. Upcoming BioBlitz events include:

BioBlitz with Columbus Parks & Recreation
Today, 5-7 p.m.

Fantastic Fungi BioBlitz at Blacklick Woods
Today, 6-7:30 p.m.

Explore Darby Creek!
Today, 4-7 p.m.

Homeschoolers COSI BioBlitz-Be a Citizen Scientist
May 2, 4-5:30 p.m.

Summer BioBlitz Palooza
May 2, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

Sharon Woods BioBlitz: Woods & Water
May 2, 6-7:30 p.m.

COSI BioBlitz-Be a Citizen Scientist
May 3, 6-7:30 p.m.

Adventure at the Lake with Brave Wilderness
May 3, 6 p.m.-Dark

Summer BioBlitz Palooza
May 3, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

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