Bioblitz at Viles Arboretum
Description
Join us for the first annual Maine Entomological Society (MES) Bioblitz at Viles Arboretum!
This event brings together MES members for a 24-hour, hands-on survey focused on documenting insect biodiversity across the arboretum’s diverse habitats.
This collaborative and flexible event is intended for MES members and non-members with an interest in entomology, whether you are highly specialized or broadly curious.
Participants may attend for the full duration or a portion of the event.
Participants can specialize in their taxonomic groups of interest, contribute their own equipment, and share expertise with others.
Time is intentionally built in for identification work, discussion, and skill sharing, not just field collection.
All experience levels are welcome, but participants should be comfortable working independently in the field and contributing to a shared scientific effort.
Overnight camping and indoor sleeping options are available for those staying on site.
What's a Bioblitz?
A bioblitz is a short, intensive survey where a group of people work together to document as many species as possible in a defined place and time. For this event, the primary focus will be insects, though participants are welcome to note other taxa as well. Over the course of the bioblitz, participants will actively sample insects using a wide range of methods, including sweep netting, beat sheets, pitfall traps, malaise traps, light trapping, and other techniques. Traps will be set in advance and serviced throughout the event, and participants can move through different habitats such as native plantings, forested areas, and wet sites to collect specimens. There will be a strong emphasis on both collecting and identification, with shared workspace in the barn for sorting, pinning, and examining specimens under microscopes.
Why Have a Bioblitz?
The goal of this bioblitz is to generate a baseline species list for the arboretum, with a particular focus on how insect diversity responds to native plantings and habitat variation. This will serve as a snapshot in time that can support future monitoring, outreach, and potential research or funding opportunities. It is also an opportunity to strengthen connections within MES and create a shared, hands-on learning experience.
Partners
Maine Entomological Society
The Maine Entomological Society (MES) is a group of people who share an interest in insects and other terrestrial arthropods in Maine. Founded in 1997 by a small group of enthusiasts, MES has grown to include a diverse membership of scientists, students, and hobbyists who are passionate about studying and learning more about the insects around us. The Society offers opportunities throughout the year to learn, connect, and explore. These include an annual meeting in the fall, a winter workshop, seasonal collecting trips, and a growing webinar series. Members also receive The Maine Entomologist, a quarterly newsletter that shares updates, observations, and entomological insights from across the community. MES is committed to increasing knowledge of Maine’s insect diversity while creating a welcoming and collaborative space for people to learn and share their interests. Whether you are a professional entomologist or simply curious about insects, MES provides a way to get involved, build skills, and contribute to a broader understanding of the natural world. Membership is open to anyone with an interest in insects or terrestrial arthropods, whether or not you live in Maine.
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