From Pond Critters to Wild Boars: Highlights from a BioBlitz at Hellyer Park

There’s something special about starting your day surrounded by nature and people who are just as excited to explore it as you are. That’s exactly how the BioBlitz at Hellyer County Park began. For those who haven’t joined one yet, a BioBlitz is a fun, fast-paced event where naturalists and community members team up to find and document as many plants, animals, and insects as possible within a set amount of time, like a nature scavenger hunt with a scientific twist. Families, kids, volunteers, and naturalists all gathered in the morning sun, ready to discover the life thriving around Coyote Creek. I joined docent Merav Vonshak’s group since I was shadowing her that day, along with a friendly family and another participant. The energy was buzzing from the start, and it felt like we were setting off on a little adventure together.

One of our first stops was a quiet, shaded pond, and that’s where things truly came to life. We dipped nets into the water and pulled up trays filled with all sorts of critters. At first glance, the pond looked calm and simple, but up close it was absolutely bursting with activity and life. We saw stream mayfly nymphs, water boatmen darting along the bottom, and even spotted red-eared slider turtles —a known invasive species—resting in the sun, and taking a swim. The kids were completely absorbed, eager to see more and ask questions about each new discovery. Watching them light up as they looked in the trays reminded me how naturally curious we all are, especially when given the space to explore.

Mr.Chicken officially making his landing on his new best friend.

After the pond, we shifted focus to creatures on land, especially ladybugs. It turned into a kind of impromptu challenge: how many types could we find and identify? Everyone was comparing spots and colors, trying to figure out which species we’d found. I never realized how many kinds of ladybugs there could be in one area. One of the first we noticed was a bright red ladybug without any spots at all, most likely the California Lady Beetle (Coccinella Californica), which stood out for its smooth spotless shell. The someone found one with a very clear five-spot pattern, probably the Five-spotted Lady Beetle (Hippodamia quinquesignata), and another with a mix of four bold spots and smaller scatterens ones, which we guessed might be a variation of the Convergent Lady Beetle (Hippodamia convergens). Each one felt like a fun little discovery, and it was so cool watching everyone excitedly try to match what they saw to species photots. At one point, a ladybug landed on one of the kids’ heads, and he announced it was his new best friend, though sadly, it flew off a moment later. It was such a small moment, but genuinely sweet and memorable, and it really captured how interactive and fun the BioBlitz was.

As we continued, Merav shared information about local species, habitat changes, and conservation, answering all our questions with so much knowledge and passion. It was inspiring to see someone so committed to environmental education and community science. Her energy made it easy for everyone, even people who were totally new to the science side of things, to stay engaged and excited. It didn't feel like a lecture; it felt like a conversation, one where every question led to a deeper appreciation of the ecosystem we were visitors to.

During our exploration, Merav drew our attention to two subtle yet fascinating natural phenomena. First, she showcased a tightly closed flower bud, poised just before blooming, It's a gentle reminder of nature's patience and the intricate processes that precede the vibrant displays we often admire. She also pointed out a tree trunk adorned with evenly spaced horizontal holes. These are likely the handiwork of a woodpecker species that drills these "sap wells" to feed on the tree's sap. Interestingly, these wells also attract insects, providing the sapsucker with an additional food source. This dual feeding strategy not only sustains the bird but also creates opportunities for other species, like hummingbirds, to benefit from the sap wells. Through these observations, Merav emphasized the interconnectedness of nature and the importance of noticing the often-overlooked details that tell stories of survival and symbiosis.

Toward the end of our day, we noticed large patches of disturbed ground—signs that wild boars had recently passed through, likely rooting around in search of food. Even though we didn’t spot the boars themselves, seeing the aftermath of their foraging reminded us that this land is teeming with wildlife activity, often just beneath the surface or after we’ve gone. It was a humbling moment that connected all the tiny creatures we’d seen earlier to the larger forces shaping the environment.

Reflecting on the day, what stood out the most was how naturally people, especially kids, connected with their surroundings when given the chance. The BioBlitz wasn’t just about collecting data or finding cool species. It was about community, curiosity, and the kinds of hands-on learning that stick with you. It brought together people of all ages and backgrounds with one shared goal: to learn about and appreciate the nature around them. Being part of that, even in a small way, made me feel excited for what’s to come in this internship and beyond. I can’t wait to help create more moments like these.

Also, couldn't help but include this little clip. Just before we wrapped up, the kids in my group were running around the park trying to catch these little white fluffs drifting down from the trees. they were actually cottonwood seeds floating through the air—it looked like soft summer snow. It was such a fun and lighthearted moment to end the day on.