I explored Rock Point during this wonderous four-day urban BioBlitz. I observed at least eleven species. I have included some of my favorite species that I observed.
Fungi and lichen are similar in that they help reduce amounts of pollution and require complex organic compounds of nitrogen and carbon. However, they are different. Fungi rely on the decomposition of organic matter for food. Lichen, on the other hand, photosynthesize.
below are my favorite animals
Spiders are one of the most underrated animals, especially dark fishing spiders. They have eight eyes – two big ones in the front for spotting clear images and judging distance, and extra side eyes to detect things that are moving. This makes spiders extra observant and judgemental.
Northern white cedars and I have the same personality. We are most happy when we are by bodies of water – our souls come to life. We are big fans of calcium (…I like cheese and yogurt…northern white cedars grow in limestone rich soil…limestone contains a lot of calcium carbonate). We have an interest in the construction of cabins (the wood of northern white cedars is used for building cabins). We’re also both very fragile.
iNaturalist thoughts
iNaturalist is probably one of the coolest sites I have used. I think it is awesome that I can explore different types of biodiversity at the heart of my fingers on my phone or on my laptop. The app is super easy to use – the observe button at the bottom of users’ screen, which appears when the app opens, allows people to organize their nature pictures. Having an organized way of nature pictures allows people to identify with the ecosystem that they live in, which, in the end, makes them more connected to nature and cultivates their appreciation for Earth.
I was really overwhelmed when I opened the “Explore” tab on the iNaturalist app…
….tell me this isn’t overwhelming.
Despite the overwhelmingness, it means that millions, maybe even billions, of people are sharing one thing in common, which is using iNaturalist to appreciate nature. Someone in Madagascar and Thailand and I are using the same app. This gives me some faith in humanity because I have a concept that more people than I think are appreciating nature and want to save the Earth.
I am really interested in vegetation on the Greek islands, so I zoomed into Lesbos, specifically on the southern side that is close to Turkey. Below is my favorite combo of plants I discovered!
