Come explore with Seacoast Science Center during our 24th Annual BioBlitz in Odiorne Point State Park!
By Michelle Dillon, Senior Manager of Marketing and Communications
You don’t need a science degree—or even to know the difference between a blue mussel and a clam—to enjoy Seacoast Science Center’s annual BioBlitz. In fact, that’s exactly what makes this day-long community science/exploration event so memorable.
As someone who loves being outdoors but wouldn’t consider myself a scientist, I find BioBlitz to be one of the most engaging ways to experience New Hampshire’s coastline. The premise is simple: find and identify as many species as possible throughout the park during a single day. But what unfolds is much more than a nature scavenger hunt. Rather than simply walking the trails of Odiorne Point State Park, participants become part of a real scientific adventure, exploring alongside Seacoast Science Center naturalists and an impressive team of guest scientists, researchers, and divers.
Odiorne Point State Park is home to a variety of habitats packed into just 130 acres. Rocky shorelines, tide pools, salt marshes, woodlands, meadows, and freshwater wetlands each support unique plants and animals, many of which are easy to overlook or under appreciate without someone pointing them out. Throughout the day, experts help participants uncover the remarkable biodiversity that exists just beneath their feet—or under a carefully lifted rock.
One moment you may be peering into a tide pool to spot tiny crabs, colorful seaweeds, sea stars, and urchins. Next, you’re identifying shorebirds along the coast, learning about insects in the meadow, or discovering how native plants support an entire ecosystem. Divers return from the waters offshore with fascinating marine creatures and stories from beneath the surface, offering a rare glimpse into the Gulf of Maine that most visitors never have the opportunity to see.
What makes BioBlitz especially enjoyable is that curiosity is all that’s required. Questions are encouraged, and every discovery—whether it’s a common snail or a rarely spotted species—becomes an opportunity to learn. Children and adults alike quickly realize that scientific exploration isn’t confined to laboratories; it happens wherever people are willing to slow down, observe, and ask questions.
Beyond the excitement of finding wildlife and exploring nature, participants also gain a deeper appreciation for why these coastal habitats matter. Learning how species are connected and how scientists monitor biodiversity helps bring conservation and climate resilience into focus in ways that are approachable and inspiring.
By the end of the day, you’ll likely leave with muddy shoes, a camera full of photos to share on iNaturalist, and a newfound appreciation for the incredible diversity that exists within New Hampshire’s coastal ecosystems. More importantly, you’ll discover that science isn’t just something done by experts—it’s something anyone can experience through observation, exploration, and a little curiosity.
This year’s BioBlitz takes place on Sunday, September 20, from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Seacoast Science Center in Odiorne Point State Park. Participants are welcome to join for the entire day or explore for just a few hours as they follow their interests through guided investigations of the park’s diverse coastal habitats. Whether you’re an avid naturalist or someone simply looking for a unique family adventure, BioBlitz offers an unforgettable opportunity to see the Seacoast through fresh eyes and leave with a deeper connection to the coast we all share. Learn more and register at seacoastsciencecenter.org/bioblitz.
