Join the Mission: Hirundo Monthly BioBlitz 2026 – Become a Community Scientist!

Are you ready to turn your next hike into a meaningful contribution to science? If you have a passion for the outdoors and a curiosity about the wild world around you, the Hirundo Monthly BioBlitz is calling your name. Nestled in the heart of Old Town, Maine, the Hirundo Wildlife Refuge is opening its gates for a series of high-impact, community-driven research events throughout 2026.

Whether you’re a seasoned naturalist or a family looking for a fun, free way to explore the Maine wilderness, this is your chance to document the incredible biodiversity of our region.

🌿 What is a BioBlitz?

A BioBlitz is a communal effort to record as many species as possible within a designated location and time period. At Hirundo, we use this “snapshot” of nature to help researchers and conservationists understand local population trends, track migratory patterns, and identify invasive species.

The best part? You don’t need a degree in biology to participate. With the help of user-friendly technology, anyone with a smartphone can become a vital part of the scientific community.

📅 2026 Event Details: Mark Your Calendars!

We are hosting these citizen-science celebrations monthly to capture the changing face of Maine’s seasons.

• Upcoming Dates: * Saturday, March 7, 2026

  • Saturday, April 4, 2026

  • Saturday, May 2, 2026

  • Saturday, June 7, 2026

• Time: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Drop in for 15 minutes or stay all day!)

• Location: Hirundo Wildlife Refuge, Gate 1

• Cost: FREE and open to all ages.

📱 How to Participate: Tech Meets the Trail

Participating in the BioBlitz is as easy as taking a photo. We utilize two powerful, free apps to help you identify and catalog your finds:

1. iNaturalist: This is the primary tool for the BioBlitz. Simply snap a photo of a plant, insect, or animal, and the app’s AI—combined with a global community of experts—will help identify it. Your data is then added to a massive database used by scientists worldwide.

2. Seek by iNaturalist: Perfect for kids and beginners, Seek uses image recognition to identify wildlife in real-time without needing an account.

🗺️ Explore Over 7 Miles of Diverse Trails

The Hirundo Wildlife Refuge spans over 2,400 acres of pristine Maine landscape, including the Pushaw and Dead Streams, wetlands, and hardwood forests. During the BioBlitz, you are invited to explore:

• Trail of the Senses: A universal-access, hard-packed gravel ADA trail perfect for mobility-impaired visitors or families with strollers.

• Wabanaki Trail: Immerse yourself in the history of the “People of the Dawnland” while looking for beaver lodges.

• Pushaw Stream Trail: Follow the water’s edge to spot river otters, bald eagles, or wood ducks.

Note: Trail conditions can be muddy in the spring; we recommend waterproof boots and dressing for the Maine weather!

🛶 Beyond the BioBlitz: Discovering the Maine Highlands

While the BioBlitz is a fantastic way to engage with the environment in Old Town, the spirit of adventure extends throughout the entire Maine Highlands region. If you find yourself craving a more secluded wilderness experience, a short trip north to the Moosehead Lake Region is highly recommended.

Local Adventures Await

• Paddling the North: Once the ice breaks, the Moose River offers some of the most serene kayaking in the state.

• Moose Watching: Early spring is a prime time for moose sightings as they frequent the local salt licks and wetlands.

• The ITS Trail System: For those who prefer motorized adventure, the region is home to world-class snowmobile and ATV trails.

Find Your Wilderness Retreat

If you’re planning an extended stay to explore both Hirundo and the Moosehead area, stay with us at Moose River Lookout. Our Rockwood cabin serves as the perfect home base for your Maine excursions. You can check our availability to see if your preferred dates are open. Whether you want to book our cabin for a weekend of citizen science or a week of fishing, our property offers direct access to the best trails and waterways in the state.

📞 Contact & Location Information

Hirundo Wildlife Refuge 1107 West Old Town Road (Gate 1) Old Town, ME 04468 Phone: (207) 394-2171 Email: [email protected] Website: HirundoMaine.org

Moose River Lookout 4054 Rockwood Rd Rockwood, ME 04478 Phone: (800) 544-0300 Email: [email protected] Website: MooseRiverLookout.com

Don’t just observe nature—help protect it. We’ll see you on the trails!