Registration is open August 10-August 21. Students attend one of the six shifts.

We are happy to accommodate all accessibility needs. Provide information about your needs directly on the registration form. The deadline for submitting accessibility needs is the same as the registration deadline, August 21 at 5pm.

Students have two options for arriving at BioBlitz: getting a free BioBlitz shuttle bus from PS 503 in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn (directly outside the N/R subway station at 59 Street) or arriving at Willowbrook Park independently. You will indicate your arrival choice when you register. More information about meeting areas.

Check-in for all students will be near the Carousel for All Children at Willowbrook Park, 2 Eton Place, Staten Island. Look for the tents and BioBlitz signs. If you are arriving independently, there is limited parking on-site at Willowbrook, so we encourage getting dropped off if possible. For those arriving on the shuttle, staff will direct you to the check-in area.

For students taking shuttle buses, enter the PS 503 school yard on 60th Street between 3rd and 4th Avenue. Look for BioBlitz workers in blue shirts.

If you can’t remember what method of transportation you signed up for, or if you want to change it, that is allowed. Be sure to follow the timing for your shift. We cannot hold buses or teams for latecomers.

Walk-on registration is only for students who missed registration. It is not a way to change the time you registered to attend.

Shift Dates and Times

Saturday, August 29

  • Shift A limited walk-on registration available
    • By Shuttle: 10:45am-4:00pm
    • Direct to Park: 11:45am-3:00pm
  • Shift B limited walk-on registration available
    • By Shuttle: 1:45pm-7:00pm
    • Direct to Park: 2:45pm-6:00pm
  • Shift C
    • By Shuttle: 5:45pm-10:00pm
    • Direct to Park: 6:45pm-9:00pm
  • Shift D
    • By Shuttle: 7:45pm-11:45pm
    • Direct to Park: 8:45pm-11:00pm

Sunday, August 30

  • Shift E
    • By Shuttle: 6:15am-10:00am
    • Direct to Park: 6:45am-9:00am
  • Shift F limited walk-on registration available
    • By Shuttle: 7:45am-1:00pm
    • Direct to Park: 8:45am-12:00pm

More Important Information

  • You should be at check-in at your session’s listed start time. The listed time is inclusive of your time on to check in and join your team.
    Please be on time! We will not be able to hold buses or teams for latecomers.
  • Look at the check-in areas post for detailed information about where to find the event.
  • You should plan to spend a little over 3 hours total on your BioBlitz shift from the time you arrive at the park until being released from your team. Shuttle service is not included in that estimate–check your registration for arrival times.
  • You will be placed on your survey team after check-in at Willowbrook Park.
  • The shuttles are coach buses that will take you directly to Willowbrook Park.
  • For safety purposes, wear comfortable clothing that covers your legs, and sturdy, closed-toe shoes that cover your entire foot. Avoid shorts and short skirts, capris, and don’t wear sandals, high heels, flats, loafers, or other shoes that leave your feet and ankles exposed. Do wear socks. Also be aware that you will be working outdoors, sometimes along the shoreline, in muddy areas, and on or close to the ground–your clothes and shoes could get wet and dirty!
    • Shoes and socks that entirely cover your feet and ankles are required.
  • We will provide you with a BioBlitz shirt. Please wear it! You can pick one up from the Reading Room at Macaulay (35 W 67 Street) on specific dates, or get one when you arrive at the event. If you get one on-site at BioBlitz, plan to put it on over your clothes.
    • Shirt pick up times at Macaulay:
      • August 24 from 12:00-4:00
      • August 26 from 11:00-4:00
  • If you will be under age 18 at the time of BioBlitz, a parent or guardian must sign your waiver. We will reach out to you with a copy of the waiver.
  • If you have not already done so, create an account with iNaturalist (http://www.inaturalist.org/) and download the free app if you have an iPhone or Android. You can practice making observations right away!
  • Join our BioBlitz iNaturalist project
  • The BioBlitz goes on rain or shine! If the forecast is rainy, bring your rain gear. Sunny? Grab your sunscreen and sunglasses. We recommend that you use bug repellent. Evening and early morning shifts may be chilly.
  • We recommend you eat before you arrive and pack yourself some food and water. You can fill up a water bottle at the check-in table, but we are unable to provide meals.
  • Please be respectful of the survey areas, and make sure that all garbage is placed in the trash cans. If you don’t see a trash can near you, take your garbage with you and dispose of it properly later.
  • All questions should be directed to bioblitz@macaulay.cuny.edu.
  • Urgent, non-emergency questions during the event can go to the BioBlitz hotline, 262-228-8683. This number does not receive text messages. Phone calls only.