Rowan BioBlitz
Rowan BioBlitz
Join us for BioBlitz 2026 on Earth Day! April 22, 2026
What's a BioBlitz?
A BioBlitz is a race against the clock to record as many plants and animals as possible within a set area in order to take a snapshot of its biodiversity at that time. It's like a scavenger hunt
- Where: Rowan University's Glassboro Campus
Check in - Science Hall Atrium,
201 Mullica Hill Rd, Glassboro, NJ
- When: April 22nd from 10:00am to 7:00pm
- Who: Anyone! Community members, Students, Nature lovers, Outdoor enthusiasts, Scientists, and Citizen Scientists.
- Why: The BioBlitz will allow people to redirect their focus to the natural elements of Rowan's campus, and the data collected will help our Facilities make improvements to campus by having a better understanding of the invasive and native species that live here. Data can also be used by students and researchers to better understand the biodiversity of our campus habitat.
- How: Using the App iNaturalist, participants will scan any plants or wild animals they find and enter any known information. The iNaturalist community will do the rest and can identify the species for you if you're not sure. Since you'll be participating as part of the Rowan BioBlitz 2026, all of the species collected will be entered into our group for us to access later!
Rowan BioBlitz 2026 Itinerary
10:00 am - 7:00 pm: Self-guided Nature Walk of Rowan University Campus using iNaturalist & Map
Come to Science Hall Atrium any time between 10:00am-7:00pm to start your BioBlitz adventure. We'll have maps highlighting areas of focus on campus, info on how to use iNaturalist to collect data, and other fun things.
11:00 am - 12:15pm: Arboretum Walking Tour: Gardens & Sustainable Landscapes with Dr. Sara Wright
Location: Meet at Science Hall Atrium
Faculty: Dr. Sara Wright from the Biological & Biomedical Sciences Department
Description: Join Sara Wright from the Biological & Biomedical Sciences Department for immersive 75-minute walking tours. Learn about local biodiversity, ecosystem services, native and invasive species, and Rowan’s history and dedication to environmental stewardship.
Skill levels for attendees: Novice, wear good walking shoes
1:00 pm - 2:15 pm: Arboretum Walking Tour: BIG Trees & History with Dr. Sara Wright
Location: Meet at Science Hall Atrium
Description: Join Sara Wright from the Biological & Biomedical Sciences Department for immersive 75-minute walking tours. Learn about local biodiversity, ecosystem services, native and invasive species, and Rowan’s history and dedication to environmental stewardship.
Skill levels for attendees: Novice, wear good walking shoes
3:30 pm - 5:00 pm: Bug Safari: Discover, Catch, and Release Campus Insects! with Dr. Shelly Thomas
Location: Meet at Science Hall Room 239
Description: Take a break, stretch your legs, and join Shelly Thomas (BBS Dept) for a 90-minute walking tour. We will start briefly in the lab to learn some basics of identifying insects and consider the importance of insects in our environments. Then we will go outside to catch, examine, and release terrestrial & aquatic insects. Take photos for the BioBlitz!
4:30 pm - 5:30 pm: "The Extraordinary Caterpillar" Film Screening
Location: Edelman Planetarium (meet at Science Hall Atrium)
Description: Over 98% of the living world on Earth is smaller than a bee. Yet humans view the planet as a world centered around themselves. Landscapes are deconstructed to suit human needs, often with little regard for the natural systems that sustain the food web. The Extraordinary Caterpillar follows the scientists and community activists with this peek into the dazzling world of nature’s tiniest superheroes.
6:00 pm - 7:00 pm: "The Extraordinary Caterpillar" Film Screening
Location: Edelman Planetarium (meet at Science Hall Atrium)
Description: Over 98% of the living world on Earth is smaller than a bee. Yet humans view the planet as a world centered around themselves. Landscapes are deconstructed to suit human needs, often with little regard for the natural systems that sustain the food web. The Extraordinary Caterpillar follows the scientists and community activists with this peek into the dazzling world of nature’s tiniest superheroes.
Activity Tables in Science Hall Atrium
Rowan Arboretum Table & Gardens Table hosted by Arboretum Ambassadors
Time: 10:00 am - 3:30 pm
Location: Science Hall Atrium
Description: Discover more about the Rowan Arboretum & Gardens, ways you can get involved, and future tours & events.
Tiny Library Table hosted by Dan Kipnis of Rowan Libraries
Time: 10:00 am - 3:30 pm
Location: Science Hall Atrium
Description: Discover a plethora of books about nature and check some out on the spot!
Walk the Westby Wilds Trail of the Westby Smell Garden (Self-Guided)
Pick up your Botanical Fragrance Field Guide at Discovery Hall or at the Westby Smell Garden and begin your journey. Your field guide includes a map of Westby Wilds, A Native Plant Smell Garden which will help you self navigate the many plants and their exotic smells located there. Remember to scan plants and animals you find along the way in your iNaturalist App on our BioBlitz Project!
Discover more about Rowan University's trees here: https://arboretum.rowan.edu/
Check out other Earth Week happenings here: https://sites.rowan.edu/senate/sustainabilityatrowan/earth-week.html
Special thanks to: School of Earth & Environment; Rowan Landscape Architectural Services - Div. Facilities, Planning, & Operations; Rowan University Arboretum; College of Science & Mathematics - Dept of Biological & Biomedical Sciences; Rowan University Library; College of Communication & Creative Arts - Dept of Art
Have questions or want to be a included as a presenter? Contact Jennifer Totora at totoraj@rowan.edu.