Seven Islands State Birding Park

Description: City Nature Challenge: Aquatic Life BioBlitz!

Location: Seven Islands State Birding Park

Join us for a hands-on Aquatic Life BioBlitz as we explore the French Broad River and ponds in search of the creatures that live beneath the surface! Participants will work alongside experts and park staff to discover, identify, count, and record fish, freshwater mussels, aquatic insects, crayfish, and other fascinating invertebrates.

All findings will contribute to community science databases that help us better understand and protect these important species. Great for curious naturalists of all ages—no experience necessary!

All participants are asked to download the iNaturalist app before their workshop date and create a free account. iNaturalist will be a key tool we use during our BioBlitz!

What is a BioBlitz?

A BioBlitz is an event that focuses on finding and identifying as many species as possible in a specific area over a short period of time

What is the City Nature Challenge?

Seven Islands is proud to partner with Zoo Knoxville, Ijams Nature Center, Discover Life in America, Sierra Club, and the City of Knoxville to coordinate a BioBlitz for the City Nature Challenge 2026. During the City Nature Challenge, cities all over the world will collaborate to observe as much wildlife as possible. Help us record observations of wild plants, animals, fungi, and more to see how much nature we can find across the planet while learning who lives nearby!

This program is recommended for all ages. Please meet at the Bluebird Barn at 1:30 PM. Be prepared to walk 2-3 miles over both paved and unpaved surfaces. For more details about the route we will take, read the Essential Eligibility Criteria.

Please come prepared with good walking shoes, sunscreen, and a water bottle. Pets are not allowed on programs, except service animals. 

Cancellation Policy 

Event Document:   Essential Eligibility Criteria