Vineyard vs. Nantucket: The Biodiversity Derby
Vineyard vs. Nantucket: The Biodiversity Derby
What if a walk in the woods could actually change what we know about this Island?
On July 10, join Matt Pelikan at the Museum for a fast-moving, sharply observed look at one of the Vineyard’s most quietly consequential experiments: the bioblitz. Part fieldwork, part friendly competition, these events turn ordinary landscapes into living inventories, revealing species most of us pass by without noticing, and building real data that shapes conservation decisions here at home.
If you’ve ever wondered what’s actually out there, beyond the obvious, this is for you. If you like the idea of science that doesn’t require a lab coat, just curiosity and a willingness to look closely, this is for you. And if a little island rivalry sweetens the deal, even better.
This summer, the Vineyard goes head-to-head with Nantucket in a two-week bioblitz challenge: which island can document more species? Pelikan, who has been at the center of the Vineyard’s bioblitz efforts since they began in 2022, will share what’s already been uncovered, from surprising finds to patterns that are only visible when many eyes are paying attention at once. He’ll also break down how these events work and how you can take part, regardless of experience.
You’ll leave with a clearer sense of what’s living around you and how to start noticing it.
MVM Members: $15; Non-Members: $25
DETAILS
| Date | July 10, 2026 |
|---|---|
| From | 5:00 pm |
| To | 6:00 pm |
| Type | Talk |
| Venue | Martha’s Vineyard Museum |