Saint Kateri's Celebration BioBlitz with Saint Kateri National Shrine and Historic Site

When: July 19, 2026, 1:30 - 3:00 pm

Where: Saint Kateri National Shrine and Historic Site (Fonda, NY)

What to Bring: A smartphone with the free iNaturalist app installed, comfortable walking shoes, water and a snack, and your curiosity! Optional: Install the Merlin bird app, also free!

Step into the living history of the Mohawk Valley! Come explore the sacred grounds where Saint Kateri Tekakwitha was baptized and lived centuries ago. We will lead a community BioBlitz—a fun, fast-paced snapshot of nature where we identify as many living creatures as possible.

Guided by Bill Jacobs, founder of the Saint Kateri Conservation Center, we will explore habitats of a tranquil Eastern Hemlock forest, grassy wildflower meadow, and Kateri's baptismal spring. Along the way, we will document some of the plants and animals that Kateri Tekakwitha and the 17th-century Kanienkehaka (Mohawk) people knew well, plus species introduced later. Whether you are a seasoned community scientist or a family looking for a meaningful walk in nature, your observations will directly contribute to the ecological stewardship of this holy site.

No experience is necessary! We will show you how to use your smartphone to snap photos of plants and animals, which automatically logs them into the official Saint Kateri Shrine iNaturalist Project using iNaturalist. Remember to install the free iNaturalist app on your phone. Come honor the Creator, celebrate Kateri's deep connection to the Earth, and discover the hidden biodiversity right beneath our feet.