event_title: The Original Naturalist – Spring BioBlitz

event_time_zone: America/New_York

event_start: March 19, 2020 06:00

event_duration: 53280

event_end: April 25, 2020 06:00

event_address: Public Land, MA, United States

event_description: Early human hunters and anglers were the foremost experts of the natural world of their time. The archetypes of the modern naturalist, their knowledge of flora and fauna, made a difference in their ability to survive. While the stakes might not be as high, modern hunters and anglers remain more connected to their natural environment than most and the Original Naturalist BioBlitz event will celebrate that fact. It will also provide the opportunity for participants to expand upon their knowledge of regional flora and fauna, all while supporting scientific research and having fun.In the spirit of BHA, this event will take place entirely on public land, specifically Massachusetts Wildlife Management Areas. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act, so it’s fitting we base our efforts on the properties that MassWildlife has been engaged in active wildlife management. Who: Free and open to everyone, but only active BHA members are eligible to win prizes. What: Using the free app iNaturalist (www.inaturalist.org/), explore, find, and identify different species of plants and animals found on Massachusetts Wildlife Management Areas. With each species identification you will be automatically entered to win cool prizes! Where: Any Wildlife Management Area in Massachusetts. For a map of all state WMA’s visit: https://www.mass.gov/how-to/masswildlife-lands-viewerWhen: March 19, 2020 (first day of Spring!) until April 25, 2020How     1.     Install the iNaturalist App and create an account, or create an account online at www.inaturalist.org      2.     Check out some of the tutorials on how to use the app.      3.     Search for the “NEBHA - Original Naturalist” project, or visit https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/nebha-original-naturalist and join. If your username is a pseudonym, email us at massachusettsbackcountryhunters.org so we can get in touch with you in the event you win a prize.      4.     Get out to your favorite WMA (or better yet, one you’ve yet to explore) and make an observation. The app has built in features to help you make a more accurate identification.      5.     Post your observation from the field, or at home. Once they are posted, others can confirm your identification. The more ID’s you make, the more chances you have to win           weekly prizes, as well as a grand prize at the end of the event.     6.     Have fun!