Biothon 2018: The Annual Search for Species
Help raise funds for environmental education!
The Hitchcock Center’s 19th annual Biothon is a fun team event during peak spring biodiversity, getting us outside to explore and count local species.
This year, our 19th, we dedicate Biothon in memory of Elizabeth Farnsworth, former Board member and Biothon organizer, renowned biologist, educator, and illustrator.
Biothon Instructions
Biothon happens during the weekends of Friday, May 11 – Sunday, May 13 and Friday, June 1 – Sunday, June 3.
People form teams, and head out to a favorite natural area where lots of species can be found (birds, plants, mammals, etc.) — birders tend to go out in May, and those looking for plants tends to have better results in June. The choice is yours!
You choose what date and time to go out, and in what location(s). Zoos don’t count!
To raise funds, teams reach out to their colleagues, friends, family and supporters to collect gifts and pledges in support of their outing.
We have some sample language you can use in an email to help get you started. Read more about how Biothon works here.
Join Biothon
There are three ways you can join Biothon:
1. Form your own team by completing this team registration form.
2. Join another team by signing up for an existing outing. 2018 outings have ended. Check back in spring 2019!
3. Make a gift
Remember to share your participation, excitement, results, and pictures on your favorite social media platform using #Biothon. Don’t forget to tag the Hitchcock Center!
Where in the valley can you see hard-to-find species like this beautiful yellow lady’s-slipper orchid in bloom?
Helpful Identification Resources
Biothon 2017 Master Species List
All Plants – New England Wild Flower Society’s Go Botany
Birds – Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s All About Birds
Insects – Bugguide
Trees – Smithsonian’s LeafSnap
All organisms – DiscoverLife IDNature Guides
Snakes of Massachusetts – UMass Amherst
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