Middlesex County to Take Part in the Annual Parks for Pollinators BioBlitz This September as Part of Nationwide Campaign

MIDDLESEX COUNTY, NJ – The Middlesex County Office of Parks and Recreation will run a month-long BioBlitz in September 2024 as part of the National Recreation and Park Association’s (NRPA) Parks for Pollinators campaign. The Parks for Pollinators BioBlitz is a nationwide, virtual event in which community members take pictures of local wildlife to help create a snapshot of the variety of species found in any of the 11,000+ acres of Middlesex County parklands.

“On behalf of the Board of County Commissioners, we are steadfastly committed to preserving our County’s natural beauty, which starts with protecting our pollinators and natural habitats crucial for a sustainable future,” said Middlesex County Commissioner Director Ronald G. Rios. “I’m excited that Middlesex County is again participating in the Parks for Pollinators BioBlitz. By working with this nationwide campaign, we can do our part to preserve ecosystems, inspire community stewardship, and protect the delicate biodiversity that makes Middlesex County so wonderful.”

“The return of the Parks for Pollinators BioBlitz is always exciting, as it allows our residents to help a nationwide effort to protect our local ecosystems while enjoying the beauty and serenity of our wonderful parks and open spaces,” said Middlesex County Commissioner Charles E. Tomaro, chair of the County’s Infrastructure Management Committee. “We all have a part to play in protecting the environment, and by having our residents, schools, and organizations all join forces, we are making proactive and meaningful efforts at creating pollinator-friendly landscapes.”

Created in 2018, the Parks for Pollinators BioBlitz is a collaboration between the National Parks and Recreation Association and The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation. Community members participate by using an app to take photos of plants and pollinators found in the park and see what wildlife is present during the BioBlitz. This provides the park system with more information about local pollinators, which are essential to our ecosystem.

HOW IT WORKS

Community members will use the iNaturalist app on their smartphone or tablet to take and submit pictures of plants and pollinators during September to determine what species are present in any of Middlesex County’s 19 County parks or open space preserves.

The photos and observations that users generate with iNaturalist — including participants in the Parks for Pollinators BioBlitz — are collected on the iNaturalist website and become part of a worldwide effort to gather information on biodiversity.

When the September Parks for Pollinators BioBlitz is complete, the Middlesex County Office of Parks and Recreation will develop a species list for each County park. The data will be available for the public to view on the iNaturalist website and utilized by scientists.

Anyone interested in participating in the Parks for Pollinators BioBlitz in Middlesex County should visit middlesexcountynj.gov/bioblitz for additional information and to download the iNaturalist app.

Information about Middlesex County parks ― including park locations, hours, and details about the various amenities available at each park ― can be found on the County website at: middlesexcountynj.gov.

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MIDDLESEX COUNTY, NJ

Middlesex County is home to numerous Fortune 500 companies, three universities, 19 parks in the County park system, and world-class healthcare and research facilities, making it one of the nation’s most dynamic regions and a leader in life science, technology, transportation, the arts, and food innovation. As one of the most diverse populations in the country, Middlesex County is home to over 860,000 residents living throughout 25 municipalities. The County’s award-winning Middlesex County Magnet Schools system and two-year Middlesex College uphold its position as #1 in the state for best schools, offering secondary and postsecondary education and workforce development programs that create a unique ecosystem where opportunities abound. Conveniently located between New York and Philadelphia, Middlesex County is a leading destination for businesses and residents alike to live, work, and play – and has been since the 17th century. For more information, visit middlesexcountynj.gov and find us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.