Hundreds Of Events Planned To Commemorate California’s Biodiversity Day

The following is courtesy of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife:

CDFW and Partners Celebrate California Biodiversity Day with More Than 200 Events Statewide

California Biodiversity Day is a time to celebrate our state’s remarkable nature while encouraging actions to protect and steward it for future generations. Originally designated on Sept. 7, 2018, this annual event has expanded into a weeklong celebration, with this year’s events taking place Sept. 6-14 throughout the state.

“The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is excited to continue leading the collaborative effort to plan for California Biodiversity Day, shining a spotlight on the incredible natural diversity found across our state,” said CDFW Director Charlton H. Bonham. “The varied landscape of California is home to about one third of all species found in the United States, more than any other state in the country. I encourage Californians to check out one of the many events planned next week to discover our state’s bountiful nature and learn ways that they can help conserve it.”

“The California Academy of Sciences is thrilled to celebrate California Biodiversity Day for the seventh consecutive year,” says Academy Director of Community Science Rebecca Johnson, PhD. “This year, we’re especially excited to launch the California Biodiversity Data Exchange, developed in partnership with iNaturalist and CDFW. Through this initiative, the Academy will provide the state with critical iNaturalist data to inform and strengthen conservation decision-making throughout California. Every observation shared on iNaturalist—during California Biodiversity Day events and beyond—directly supports our efforts to protect the species and places that make our state extraordinary.”

California is one of 36 global biodiversity hotspots – areas with exceptional concentrations of plant and animal species found nowhere else on the planet. At the same time, many California species are at risk of extinction due to threats from habitat loss and climate change.

“California’s state parks are living classrooms and vital sanctuaries for the plants and animals that make our state one of the most biodiverse places on the planet,” said California State Parks Director Armando Quintero. “California Biodiversity Day is not only a chance to celebrate that richness, but also to inspire the next generation of stewards to protect it. I invite all Californians to join one of the many events statewide and be part of the effort to protect our natural resources for generations to come.”

During the week of Sept. 6-14, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, California State Parks, the California Academy of Sciences and numerous other partner organizations will be hosting more than 200 events statewide to celebrate California Biodiversity Day. From webinars to restoration projects to bioblitzes, there are a variety of virtual and in-person events being offered. The California Biodiversity Day website has a map showing the location of all events, which include:

• Community Celebration and Bioblitz at Camp Pollock, Sept. 6, 9 a.m. to noon, 1501 Northgate Blvd., Sacramento (95815). Kick off California Biodiversity Day celebrations with a variety of family-friendly activities at Camp Pollock! Participate in a fun day of searching and learning as we get to know our plant and animal neighbors and connect with local conservation organizations. There will be a bioblitz (tutorials and hike guides provided), a volunteer service project, partner booths from over 20 local environmental organizations, and plenty of activities for the whole family. Admission is free but space is limited. Visit sacramentovalleyconservancy.org/events to register.
  
• La Jolla Tidepools Bioblitz, Sept. 7, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., La Jolla Cove, Coast Blvd., La Jolla (92037). Join CDFW and City of San Diego Parks and Recreation Department for a day of tidepool exploration! Learn how to use the free iNaturalist app to help collect biodiversity data while exploring the tidepools and enjoy a day out on our coast to celebrate biodiversity week. Visit the California Biodiversity Day website for more information.
  
• Mysteries of the Octopus PORTScast Virtual Event, Sept. 10, 9-9:45 a.m., Crystal Cove State Park PORTScast on Zoom. Celebrate California Biodiversity Day with an engaging virtual field trip to Crystal Cove State Park’s Marine Protected Area and discover the fascinating Mysteries of the Octopus! This program is designed for students grades 3-5. Spend part of the morning learning about the adaptations and life cycle of this curious marine invertebrate with a backdrop of the crashing waves in the park. Visit the registration pageto sign up.
  
• Lake Merced Watershed California Bioblitz, Sept. 13, 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., 1 Harding Road, San Francisco (94132). Join a fun day of hiking, birdwatching and documenting biodiversity using the free iNaturalist app in the Lake Merced Watershed with the Center for Biodiversity and Community Science at the California Academy of Sciences. Groups will enjoy walks around Lake Merced and trails at the north end of Fort Funston. A delicious lunch will be provided along with a wrap-up session at the Lake Merced Boathouse. For more information and to register, visit www.calacademy.org/community-science/california-biodiversity-day.

Another easy way to participate in California Biodiversity Day is to join the Find 30 Species for California Biodiversity Day 2025 project on the iNaturalist app. Find and document 30 wild species any time Sept. 6-14 from anywhere in California and submit your observations through the app. You can also check out the California Biodiversity Day bioblitz tracker, which shows all the communities participating in nature discovery events throughout the week and the species they observe. Tag your own nature adventures and follow along on social media at #CABiodiversityDay.

We hope to see you out there enjoying the biodiverse beauty of California!

###

_{The California Department of Parks and Recreation, popularly known as State Parks, and the programs supported by its Office of Historic Preservation and divisions of Boating and Waterways and Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation provides for the health, inspiration and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state’s extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high-quality outdoor recreation. Learn more at parks.ca.gov.}