This September 13th, Bask is teaming up with the Southeastern Grasslands Institute (SGI) for a day of exploration, discovery, and hands-on conservation... and you’re invited! Our BioBlitz will bring together nature lovers, curious minds and community scientists to help document the incredible plants and wildlife that call our property home.

Whether you’re a seasoned naturalist or simply curious about the world outside your door, this event is your chance to connect with nature in a whole new way, and contribute to important biodiversity research.

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What Is a BioBlitz?

A BioBlitz is part nature walk, part science adventure and part treasure hunt. Participants work together to find and identify as many species as possible within a specific area and time frame. With guidance from SGI experts, you’ll learn how to spot unique plants, insects, birds and more — then record your findings using the iNaturalist app.

The best part? Your observations become part of a global database, helping scientists track species health, understand changes in ecosystems and protect biodiversity for generations to come.

How iNaturalist Works

Before the event, you’ll download the free iNaturalist app (or Seek app for a more beginner-friendly experience) on your phone. During the BioBlitz, you’ll snap photos of plants and animals you encounter, upload them to the app, and let the global community help confirm identifications.

Not only will you sharpen your species ID skills, but you’ll also be adding valuable data that scientists and conservationists rely on.

Join our Bask BioBlitz Project here.

About the Southeastern Grasslands Institute (SGI)

SGI is a nonprofit dedicated to conserving and restoring one of North America’s most endangered ecosystems: grasslands. From preserving rare species to working with communities on habitat restoration, their work safeguards the biodiversity that grasslands support, and connects people more deeply with these remarkable landscapes.

Why Biodiversity Documentation Matters

Every species has a role in the ecosystem, from pollinators that help plants grow to fungi that recycle nutrients in the soil. When we take the time to document what species live in a place, we’re essentially creating a living snapshot of that environment, one that can be used to monitor changes over time. These observations help scientists detect early warning signs of ecological shifts, such as the spread of invasive species, the decline of pollinators, or changes in migration patterns due to climate change.

This kind of information is invaluable for conservation. It guides restoration projects, informs land management decisions and helps ensure that threatened or vulnerable species get the protection they need. It also preserves knowledge for future generations, allowing us to look back and understand how species and habitats have evolved.

When you participate in a BioBlitz, your photos and observations become part of this larger body of scientific data through platforms like iNaturalist, meaning your contributions directly support research and restoration efforts not just here at Bask, but around the world.

For a deeper dive into why this work matters, check out SGI’s excellent article on the importance of biodiversity documentation.

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Event Details

Date: Saturday, September 13 2025

Location: Bask Retreat Center, Centerville, TN

Time: 10:00 AM start — meet at the main cabin

What to Bring:

• Fully charged phone with iNaturalist or Seek app downloaded
• Joined to the Bask BioBlitz iNaturalist Project
• Sturdy footwear (muck boots if exploring the bog)
• Long pants, hat, sunscreen, and insect repellent
• Plenty of water

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Ready to Join Us?

Register today to save your spot and help us uncover the living treasures of Bask’s diverse landscapes. Together, we’ll explore bogs, meadows, and forest edges — discovering the plants, insects, and animals that make this place thrive.

Register for the BioBlitz here

Join the Bask BioBlitz iNaturalist Project

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Come ready to explore, learn, and connect!

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