BioBlitz Lombardy 2026: three days of nature at Parco delle Groane

Context

In brief

• BioBlitz Lombardia 2026 from 15 to 17 May at Parco delle Groane
• Activities for families and nature enthusiasts
• Scientific monitoring with the iNaturalist app

Key facts

• What: BioBlitz Lombardia 2026
• When: 15-17 May 2026
• Where: Parco delle Groane and other natural areas
• Who: Regione Lombardia, AREA Parchi, Parco Regionale dell’Oglio Sud, Riserva Naturale Le Bine
• Cost: Free event, registrations open

From 15 to 17 May 2026, Parco delle Groane e della Brughiera Briantea will transform into a large open-air laboratory thanks to BioBlitz Lombardia 2026. This citizen science event, promoted by Regione Lombardia, will involve numerous natural areas in the territory, offering a rich calendar of appointments open to citizens, families, enthusiasts, and curious individuals. The initiative, now in its eleventh edition, represents one of the most important events dedicated to citizen science in Lombardia.

Activities and biodiversity discovery

Among the planned activities, there will be guided excursions, naturalistic monitoring, activities for children and families, and immersive experiences dedicated to the fauna and flora of the territory. The stars of this edition will be butterflies, but there will also be space for bats, fireflies, nocturnal birds, pollinating insects, amphibians, reptiles, and soil macroinvertebrates. Participants, accompanied by expert naturalists, will be able to actively contribute to the collection of scientific data through the iNaturalist app, becoming an integral part of a project to monitor regional biodiversity.

Detailed program

The program will kick off on Friday, 15 May with a series of evening appointments dedicated to nature after sunset. In Garbagnate Milanese, 'Citizen science: discovering butterflies' will take place, while at Parco del Lura, you can participate in the bat meeting. At the Lipu Oasis in Cesano Maderno, there will be 'Fireflies and nocturnal birds.' In the same evening, the Polveriera Parco Center in Solaro will host the immersive experience 'The sounds of the night.'

On Saturday, 16 May, the day will begin at dawn with the bird census in the Fontana del Guercio Nature Reserve. In the afternoon, activities dedicated to butterflies in the Groane and appointments on pollinating insects at the Nuovo Museo delle Api in Bregnano will return. In the evening, another appointment at the Lipu Oasis for observing fireflies and nocturnal birds.

On Sunday, 17 May, the BioBlitz will conclude with a day entirely dedicated to exploring biodiversity. At the Polveriera Parco Center in Solaro, experts and participants will discover the flora, fauna, and insects of the territory, while Parco del Lura will offer activities and workshops dedicated to pollinating insects and birds at the Biodiversity Center in Lomazzo.

Tools and awareness

During the activities, specific tools for naturalistic monitoring will also be used, such as bat detectors for listening to bats and light traps for observing nocturnal butterflies. The goal is to raise public awareness about the importance of environmental protection and demonstrate how citizens' contributions can become fundamental for scientific research and ecosystem conservation.

Registrations are already open. To participate in the initiatives organized by Parco delle Groane and the Fontana del Guercio Reserve, you can register online.

Operational details

Implications for cross-border workers

The BioBlitz Lombardia 2026 offers a unique opportunity for cross-border workers who live and work between Italy and Switzerland. Participating in this event not only allows them to discover the natural wealth of the territory but also to actively contribute to scientific research. For cross-border workers residing in Lombardy and working in Ticino, this type of initiative is a way to connect with the local community and promote ecosystem conservation.

Activities for families and enthusiasts

The activities planned during the BioBlitz are suitable for everyone, from children to adults. Guided excursions and naturalistic monitoring offer an educational and engaging experience, allowing participants to learn more about local biodiversity. For families, there are dedicated workshops for children, who can discover the world of insects and animals in an interactive and fun way.

Contribution to scientific research

The data collected during the BioBlitz will be used to monitor regional biodiversity and promote ecosystem conservation. Participants, using the iNaturalist app, can actively contribute to the collection of scientific data, becoming an integral part of a citizen science project. This type of initiative is fundamental for scientific research, as it allows the collection of valuable information about natural ecosystems.

Environmental awareness

The BioBlitz Lombardia 2026 is also an opportunity to raise public awareness about the importance of environmental protection. Through the planned activities, participants will better understand the importance of ecosystem conservation and the role each person can play in protecting nature. This type of initiative is fundamental to promoting greater environmental awareness and encouraging sustainable behaviors.

Recommended tools

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Key points

How to Participate

To participate in BioBlitz Lombardia 2026, you need to register online. Registrations are already open and can be made through the official website of Parco delle Groane or Riserva Fontana del Guercio. It is advisable to book in advance, as some activities may have a limited number of participants.

What to Bring

During the activities, it is advisable to bring comfortable and suitable clothing for the hike, hiking shoes, a flashlight for night activities, and, if available, binoculars for wildlife observation. It is also useful to download the iNaturalist app on your smartphone to actively contribute to the collection of scientific data.

Where to Stay

For those coming from outside the region, there are numerous accommodation options available near Parco delle Groane. You can find hotels, bed & breakfasts, and agritourisms that offer advantageous rates for BioBlitz participants. It is advisable to book in advance to ensure availability.

Conclusion

BioBlitz Lombardia 2026 is a must-attend event for all nature and science enthusiasts. Participating in this event not only offers the opportunity to discover local biodiversity but also to actively contribute to scientific research and ecosystem conservation. For cross-border workers living and working between Italy and Switzerland, this type of initiative is a way to connect with the local community and promote environmental protection. Don't miss the chance to participate in this unique and engaging event.

Find out more about BioBlitz Lombardia 2026

Source: varesenews.it