KBS BioBlitz
Presented by the MSU's Kellogg Biological Station
with support from local organizations, scientists, naturalists, volunteers, and donors
Saturday, June 14, 2025
9 a.m. - 3 p.m., ET
W.K. Kellogg Biological Station (KBS) Bird Sanctuary
12685 E C Ave.
Augusta, MI 49012
Registration fee: no cost
All registered BioBlitz participants will receive free entry into the Kellogg Bird Sanctuary.
Individuals and groups not taking part in the BioBlitz event will be required to pay admission fees.
Join us for the BioBlitz on Saturday, June 14, at the Kellogg Bird Sanctuary! Whether you are an experienced naturalist or just starting your journey into nature, everyone is welcome—no prior experience necessary! Explore the Sanctuary's biodiversity alongside KBS scientists or on your own. There are many ways to get involved—see details below!
BioBlitz Goals:
- Join us in discovering the incredible biodiversity around you while helping collect valuable data for KBS research.
- By tracking where species live in the Sanctuary, you’ll be directly supporting important conservation efforts.
- Together, we’ll raise awareness about the vital role these organisms play and how they shape our environment.
Who should attend:
- Everyone! bring the whole family—there’s something for all ages.
- If you're curious about nature and want to connect with others, this is your chance to gain skills for exploring and investigating your own backyard.
Ways to Take Part:
- Register early to join a field team and focus on a species that interests you.
- Choose the self-guided option to document your observations independently using iNaturalist.
.Location: Kellogg Bird Sanctuary, 12685 E C Ave., Augusta, MI 49012
Where to meet: All BioBlitz participants should check in at the BioBlitz tent located near the Sanctuary parking lot. Please arrive before your scheduled survey time for a brief orientation.
Schedule of Events:
Self-guided groups and individuals may begin at any time between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. (Eastern Daylight Time). The registration option includes free admission to the Bird Sanctuary.
Field Team Schedule (Eastern Daylight Time)
Morning Surveys:
- 9:00 a.m. – Welcome and check-in
- 9:30 a.m. – Orientation for all field teams
- 9:45 a.m. – Join field teams (Field Teams depart at this time)
Field Team Options:
- Bees team: Look for native bees in the prairie.
- Birds (Prairie) team: Follow a set route to observe and record bird sightings and sounds.
- Butterfly team: Use nets to catch and record butterflies.
- Dragonflies team: Conduct aerial surveys around the wetland paths.
- Herps team (9:45 a.m. – 11:45): Record amphibians and reptiles in the survey sites. This team has a longer distance to travel to reach their area.
- Living on the edge team: Document organisms in urban settings.
Lunch Break (Eastern Daylight Time):
- 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. – Lunch (provided for event volunteers and participants in a field team)
Afternoon Surveys:
- 12:30 p.m. – Orientation for all field teams
- 12:45 p.m. – Join field teams (field teams depart at this time)
Field Team Options:
- Aquatic Macroinvertebrates team: uses leaf packs as traps to collect data on the abundance of aquatic macroinvertebrates
- Birds (Forest) team: follows a set route to record bird sightings and sounds
- Bugs in the trees team: captures insects that live in trees and shrubs
- Insect traveling cross country team: collects ground-dwelling arthropods
- Prairie plants team: studies how the plant communities change over time
- Forest plants team: documents the communities of plants in the forest
Celebration:
- 2:45 - 3:00 p.m. – "What did we find?" Celebration and time to mingle with other BioBlitz participants.
The BioBlitz planning team looks forward to seeing you!
Please register for a Field Team(s) you'd like to join. You may register for one-morning field team, one-afternoon field team, or one for both the morning and afternoon sessions.
Each individual in your group, family or party will need to register individually.
Additional details will be provided the week prior to the event. Please email communityrelations@kbs.msu.edu with any questions.
Registration for KBS BioBlitz is open.
Registration closes at 11:59 p.m. ET on June 13, 2025.
Please register for the Field Team(s) you will be leading or assisting. You may register for one-morning field team, one-afternoon field team, or one for both the morning and afternoon sessions.
Additional details will be provided the week prior to the event. Please email communityrelations@kbs.msu.edu with any questions.
Registration for KBS BioBlitz Scientists and Experts is open.
Registration closes at 11:59 p.m. ET on May 1, 2025.
Join us for a behind-the-scenes volunteer opportunity at the BioBlitz event! Your help will ensure everything runs smoothly. Details about your role will be shared one week prior. If you have questions, feel free to email us.
Registration for KBS BioBlitz is open.
Registration closes at 11:59 p.m. ET on May 1, 2025.
Registration for KBS BioBlitz is open.
Registration closes at 11:59 p.m. ET on June 10, 2025.
Accommodations
Michigan State University is committed to providing equal opportunity for participation in all programs, services and activities. Accommodations for persons with disabilities may be requested by contacting the event contact two weeks prior to the start of the event. Requests received after this date will be honored whenever possible.