Join The Geographic Society of Chicago, Friends of the Chicago River, Forest Preserves of Cook County, and many other community science organizations for a day of fun at Linne Woods! Participate in science-based activities with local scientists and attend guided walks to learn more about nature! Linne Woods features walking, biking, and hiking trails that attract those looking for an outdoor escape. It is also home to a wide variety of wildlife, including amphibians, reptiles, insects, mammals, and birds.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Our morning will kick off with guests having the opportunity to connect with scientists and professional nature enthusiasts from our partner organizations across Chicagoland, explore the diverse range of programs they offer, and learn about innovative research and community initiatives. This is a great opportunity to interact directly with experts, ask questions, and see how science is shaping our neighborhoods and future.
Following the partnership meet-and-greet, groups will be led through science-based BioBlitz activities, including learning about the biodiversity of our river, sampling macroinvertebrates, and taking a nature hike along the North Branch of the Chicago River into the Linne Prairie. As part of our 2025 BioBlitz, we will use the iNaturalist app to document our observations and help identify some of the plants and critters we encounter in our native woodland, prairie, and river ecosystems.
River Exploration
Friends of the Chicago River will lead us through a series of water sampling and macroinvertebrate collections to identify the organisms living in our river and assess the current pollution levels. Participants will be provided with nets to join in along the river’s edge or to venture into the water with the supplied waders.
Nature Hike
Linne Woods is full of wildflowers, beneath a canopy of oaks and hickories, with an understory of ironwood and black cherry. It is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including amphibians, reptiles, insects, mammals, and birds, all waiting to be explored. Hikers will observe and discuss the interesting things they encounter as they walk along the North Branch of the Chicago River and into the Linne Prairie, where they can witness the return of wildlife to this area after its previous pollution impact.
WHAT IS A BIOBLITZ?
A BioBlitz is an event that aims to find and identify as many species as possible in a specific area within a limited time. It is also called a biological inventory or census. The main goal of a BioBlitz is to get an overall count of the plants, animals, fungi, and other organisms living in that area.
A BioBlitz differs from a scientific inventory in several ways. Scientific inventories typically involve only biologists, geographers, and other scientists. In contrast, a BioBlitz includes volunteer scientists as well as families, students, teachers, and other community members.
These differences make a BioBlitz a unique biological survey that fosters a connection between natural and human communities in a given area. Citizens collaborate with scientists to explore the biological diversity of local natural spaces. During this process, they acquire skills and knowledge and build a stronger bond with their environment. A BioBlitz aims to enhance and protect local natural spaces by empowering citizens to better understand and safeguard biodiversity.
Join us for our 2025 BioBlitz at Linne Woods by registering today!