You’re invited to join the Mill Creek BioBlitz!

Thursday, October 29th. 9am-1pm, Downtown Salem

Our partners at the North Santiam Watershed Council (NSWC) will be kicking off a BioBlitz on Mill Creek this October and all are welcome to join! This will be an in-person kickoff event, with the virtual event page remaining open for observations until the end of November.

We will have plant and animal identification guides on hand for participants, as well as demonstrations in e-fishing and macroinvertebrate identification.

All observations will be recorded using a project page on iNaturalist, and the participant with the most confirmed observations by the end of the event will receive a special prize!

What is a BioBlitz?

A BioBlitz is a collaborative, community event where volunteers work together to identify and record as many observations of living species as possible in a specific area.

Observations from this event will help document species in and around Mill Creek and support the NOAA Fish Passage Improvements to Mill Creek Barriers project. This information will help guide restoration planning and improve understanding of how healthier fish passage and habitat can benefit spring Chinook salmon, steelhead, wildlife, water quality, and communities across the watershed.

How can I join?

Join this exciting event page by searching “Mill Creek Bio Blitz” on iNaturalist, or by clicking here. To join the BioBlitz, you will need an iNaturalist account and the mobile app.

Where will we meet?

We will meet on the walking trail of the Oregon State Capitol State Park in downtown Salem, near the Department of Agriculture building. Click HERE for a Google Maps GPS point and see reference map above.

Walking directions: Starting at the Oregon Department of Agriculture building entrance (635 Capitol St NE, Salem, OR 97301) walk about 100 feet north until you reach the entrance to the Mill Creek walking path. If you cross the bridge, you have gone too far! Follow the walking path along the creek until you reach the picnic area. We will have signs set up for you to follow.

Can’t make the in-person kick off? Don’t worry!

The virtual event will stay open for observations through November 30. The area open for observations extends along Mill Creek from downtown Salem all the way to Stayton; enter observations from anywhere on the creek!

View the Event Flyer HERE!

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Please note this is a partner led event. Have Questions? Please contact:

 Devon Schmahl via email devon.schmahl@northsantiam.org or by phone 503-877-8372