Mallows Bay-Potomac River National Marine Sanctuary is joining the City Nature Challenge! The City Nature Challenge is a global citizen science event with a focus on urban areas. Residents throughout the Washington DC metro area will be exploring local parks, backyards, and neighborhoods to observe the wild plants, fungi and animals that share our environment. As part of the challenge, Mallows Bay will be holding a BioBlitz, a free event where participants collect as many species observations as possible. By participating, you’ll help scientists collect valuable biodiversity information and learn more about Mallows Bay! All ages are welcome.

Joining the BioBlitz is easy! Anyone with a cellphone camera and access to the free iNaturalist app can participate. Here's how:

1) Download the iNaturalist App. Create a user account at iNaturalist.org.

2) Join the project on iNaturalist.

3) Register for the BioBlitz using the form below - and while supplies last, receive a free t-shirt at check-in!

4) Join us at Mallows Bay on April 28th!

Event timing: Sunday, April 28th, 11:00am - 2:00pm

Location: Mallows Bay Park (1440 Wilson Landing Rd, Nanjemoy, MD 20662)  

Special activities:

• 11:00am - Guided bird-watching hike led by the Southern Maryland Audubon Society
• All day - Seining for aquatic organisms with the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center
• Kayak rentals available on site

When you arrive, look for the blue NOAA tent for check-in.

Contact mallows.bay@noaa.gov for questions or concerns.

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The collection of BioBlitz event information at the Mallows Bay-Potomac River National Marine Sanctuary is authorized under the OMB Control Number included in the Citizen Science & Crowdsourcing Information Collection page.