Bi-CAN BioBlitz at Wapsi River Environmental Education Center & Sherman Park

A BioBlitz is an intensive survey of as many species as possible within a specified area during a 24-hour period. The goal is to collect basic taxonomic data and to highlight the value of local habitats. The hallmark of a BioBlitz is that members of the public witness and participate in the study of local biodiversity, learning more about the natural world in their own community.

The Wapsi River Environmental Education Center & Sherman Park BioBlitz offers a rare opportunity to join scientists and naturalists from around the region as they survey mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, plants, insects, and much more. Visitors are welcome to borrow insect nets to chase dragonflies, damselflies, butterflies and more in the prairie. They are also encouraged to bring cameras or smartphones to document the species they encounter. The free app, iNaturalist, will be used to record findings for the 2026 Blitz.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:

Friday Presentations/Hikes:
4:00PM - How to use iNaturalist with Grant Fessler
5:00PM - LIVE Raptors with RARE
6:00PM - Amphibians with Wapsi Naturalists
9:00PM - Owl Prowl with Jimmy Wiebler
9:00PM - Bat Hike with Amber Andress
9:00PM: Insect Light Sheeting with Angella Moorehouse

Saturday Presentations/Hikes:
8:00AM - Bird Hike with Brian Blevins
10:00AM - Natural History of Scott and Clinton Counties with Bob Bryant
11:00AM - Unique Fish of the Mississippi River with Denny Weiss
12:00PM: Bats and Bioacoustics with Amber Andress

Interactive Nature Stations (3PM - 6PM Friday, 10AM - 1PM Saturday)
& MORE!

Registration is NOT required. We hope to see you there!

The 2026 BioBlitz is brought to you by:

Bi-State Conservation Action Network (Bi-CAN)
Scott County Conservation
Clinton County Conservation
Guardians of the Prairie and Forest
Nahant Marsh Education Center
The City of Davenport Parks and Recreation
Iowa State University Extension and Outreach: Scott County
Scott County Secondary Roads

Made possible through donations made by:

Guardians of the Prairie and Forest
The RARE Group
Friends of the Wapsi Center
Quad Cities Illinois Rotary
Wild Ones Quad Cities
Hy-Vee Rock Island