Native Plant Conservation Campaign News: Botany Big Years – community science for the phytocurious. Who will find the most plant species in your state?

October 20, 2020

 

In 2019, the Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin Native Plant Societies were among the groups who held Botany Big Years. These events follow the tradition set among birders who compete each year in Birding Big Years to see who can spot the largest number of bird species. Native plant groups have adopted this format for plants. Big Years record observations of both native and nonnative species. 

 

Both birders and botanists use the iNaturalist Bioblitz feature to compile observations, identifications and photographs.

 

Among Native Plant Societies, Big Years were probably first initiated by Illinois NPS in 2016. The “prize” for the person who found the most plant species in  Illinois in a calendar year was to “rejoice in your victory!” We could all use a little more rejoicing, we think.

 

In the 2019 IL Big Year, the highest number of species observed was 797, with Common Milkweed the most popular observation with 895 sightings. Overall, Illinois botanists logged nearly 61,000 observations of almost 2,000 species by more than 4,200 participants.

 

In the Kentucky NPS inaugural KY Big Year 2019, more than 31,000 observations were made of nearly 2000 species by 2400 observers. The most commonly observed plant was Common Pawpaw. Their 2020 Big year is shaping up to be even more sucessful. 

 

Indiana held two events in 2019. Their IN Big Year reported nearly 19,000 observations of 1200 species by 2415 observers. The most observed species was – sadly - invasive nonnative Tree of Heaven.

 

The IN Florathon is a variant on the Big Year concept. Individuals (or small groups) visit natural areas in Indiana during a 24-hour period of their choosing in April or May. They record the number of plant species and enlist sponsors (family, friends, office mates, church groups, carpool, businesses, etc.) who honor their efforts by making a donation to the Indiana Native Plant Society. Florathon proceeds are earmarked for Letha’s Youth Outdoors Fund, which puts kids in touch with nature. In 2019, the Florathon had 31 participants, observed 140 species in 16 counties. The Society also recruited new members and raised $2,370.

 

Other states reporting 2019 Botanist Big Years include Wisconsin, New York, South Dakota, and Michigan.

 

We hope that other states will consider this fun, useful and important form of botanical community building and community science

 

 

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