Amazing BioBlitz Docents
- Deb Kramer
- Jan 27
- 2 min read
People are so generous, don't you think? They volunteer to cleanup creeks, lead nature walks, and share create art. However, the Docents at BioBlitz events are absolutely an amazing bunch.
It all started with Merav Vonshak, an entomologist, who thought that community science might be a great way to help people have a greater appreciation for nature if they had a guide to help them see and understand what they were viewing. She founded BioBlitz Club and Newt Patrol, and started small with a partner group. Soon, she realized that KCCB has the staff and volunteer base she was looking for. Through our partnership, we've co-hosted over 100 events to-date with over 5,000 volunteers, including our amazing Docents and partners, such as Santa Clara Valley Bird Alliance, POST and Open Space Authority. As a full-fledged business, she's now hosted over 160 events.https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/kccb-and-bioblitz-club-bioblitz-events
Merav has recruited Docents who specialize in plants, birds, lichen, trees, and aquatic species. They are generalists who travel the world seeking their "firsts": specific local birds, insect, or plants. They explore their backyards, literally, to find new-to-them insects who visit since their garden has a newly acquired host plant. In all weather and seasons, they explore critters wet and dry, on land, air, and sea.
Michael Hawk in the rain; Andrea Reid with an insect mat; Karan Gathani with a microscope.
Some even carry special tools for field use. Microscopes have adaptations to hold a mobile phone; "the better to see you my pretty one". These creative ways to showcase nature only demonstrate how passionate the docents are to sharing their love of nature.
One first time participant said "I enjoyed talking with everyone participating and the guides. I also liked learning and seeing new animals and insects." This message is indicative of our new visitors, who may experience seeing wildlife with a new lens.
With our Naturalist Internship, we've been able to encourage new naturalists to expand their world by growing their capacity to communicate what they see with the people of all ages while learning from our experienced Docents. They've written blogs, and some continue to join BioBlitz events.
Thank you Docents for your continued contributions to nature education and community science.