Reflection Park's Natural Burial Ground BioBlitz

Join us on October 3rd from 9:00am to 12:00pm for Reflection Park’s first Natural Burial Ground BioBlitz! Reflection Park is a multi-faith natural burial ground in Silver Spring, Maryland. The BioBlitz will take place entirely on Reflection Park’s 40-acre property.

What’s a BioBlitz?

A BioBlitz is an engaging way to spend time exploring nature while also helping to catalog the area’s biodiversity. Participants act as citizen scientists to record their observations of the plants, animals, and fungi they encounter. For this event, we are using the free iNaturalist app to record our observations. No prior experience is needed! We will give new users a demonstration so you’ll know exactly what to do. We will also have experts available to share their knowledge about nature at Reflection Park and help with species identification.

Why host a BioBlitz at a Natural Burial Ground?

Natural burial is the intentional process of returning our bodies to the earth in a way that is simple, beautiful, and sustainable. We return to the earth what came from it, and leave out of the earth what harms or doesn’t belong in it. That means we use only natural, readily biodegradable materials that nourish the earth, and every part of the Park reflects this commitment to stewarding the land as a precious resource. Hosting a BioBlitz is an important part of our overarching mission to foster a healthier relationship with the natural cycle of life, death, and renewal in order to promote a more conscious and purposeful way of living.

What’s the schedule?

We will kick off our activities at 9:00am with a welcome by Reflection Park staff and an orientation to using iNaturalist. We’ll organize groups to make observations throughout the burial grounds, woodland trail, and streams. Master Naturalists and other experts will be stationed throughout the grounds to share information and help with troubleshooting. We will wrap up the official gathering at noon, but you are welcome to stay and continue to record observations throughout the day. Reflection Park is open daily from 8:30 am until sunset.

If you are interested in early morning birding or nighttime observations, please contact natalie@reflectionpark.org after registering for the main event.

What should I bring?

If you don’t have the iNaturalist app on your smartphone already, please download it before the event and create an account. Sunscreen and bug repellent and/or long sleeves and long pants are recommended. Please bring a refillable water bottle and your natural curiosity!