Beetle Blitz! - July 16
📅 Thursday, July 16, 2025 | 7:30 AM – 1:30 PM (exact end time tbd)
📍 The Confluence Center of Colorado – 2596 Dos Rios Dr., Grand Junction, CO 81501 (Plus, sampling sites around the Grand Valley)
Join RiversEdge West, Colorado Mesa University, and the Palisade Insectary as a community/citizen scientist and learn more about tamarisk biocontrol along our rivers!
Participants will meet at the Confluence Center of Colorado for a short info session on tamarisk, biocontrol, and tamarisk beetle identification and sampling with beetle experts. Then, we'll grab our nets and practice collecting tamarisk beetle data along the riverside just outside the doors. Groups lead by experts will head out to sampling sites throughout the Grand Valley to collect data on tamarisk beetle abundance, life stages, and tamarisk plant condition. We'll also cover how to record the data on iNaturalist, CitSci, and a simple Google Form. We'll regroup at the Confluence Center to assist participants with submitting data!
By participating you are contributing directly toward research that supports and informs riparian restoration efforts in the American West! Participants will leave with the knowledge and ability to sample for tamarisk beetles and tamarisk condition independently and are encouraged to continue their community scientist work at locations throughout the year!
Breakfast and coffee will be provided! All necessary equipment will be provided. We encourage you to wear sun protection (light weight long sleeves, hat, sunscreen) and clothing appropriate for being out in the field (close toed shoes, pants) and to bring a water bottle.
You can learn more about tamarisk beetles here, and about sampling for tamarisk beetles here.
Not in the Grand Valley? No problem! Sign up for a virtual training to participate in Beetle Blitz wherever you are across the enormous range of tamarisk beetles in the western US. We hope to expand these efforts to community scientists throughout the region, beyond the Grand Valley.
Please reach out to Nicole at ncook@riversedgewest.org with any questions.
This is a free event, but an RSVP is required!