Join the TTC team, local experts, and community members to identify and record the biodiversity of Holly Shores as a part of the City Nature Challenge 2025.
A bioblitz is an event that focuses on finding and identifying as many species as possible in a specific area over a short period of time, usually 24 hours. Participants can use identification guides, microscopes, and apps like iNaturalist to help identify species.
The data collected at the Holly Shores BioBlitz will assist The Trail Conservancy in conducting restoration projects in the area moving forward. This will help ensure that the existing biodiversity is protected and that restoration actions improve biodiversity.
2025 event schedule
Birds
9:15 AM
Birds
Learn about native birds with our team of experts.
Andrea Vigil, a fifth-generation Austinite, holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from St. Edward’s University. What she loves most about Austin is its commitment to preserving natural resources and parks, which make life truly enjoyable. Andrea enjoys spending time outdoors, birdwatching, or hiking with her husband and two corgis.
Insects, Lichen, & Fungi
10:15 AM
Insects, Lichen, & Fungi
Learn about native Insects, Lichen, & Fungi with our team of experts.
Chris Garza is a Senior Environmental Scientist II with Hollaway Environmental. He is also a Certified Ecologist, ISA Certified Arborist, and Certified Ecological Restoration Practitioner in Training. He currently serves as a board member for Travis Audubon Society and is an active member and educator for the Central Texas Mycological Society.
Plants
11:15 AM
Plants
Learn about native plants with our team of experts.
Hillary Xu is an undergraduate student at the University of Texas at Austin, researching native plant ecology and conservation. She also manages the UT Microfarm and work with the Native Plant Rescue Project. She is most familiar with the flora of Central Texas, with a special interest in endemism, galls, and pollinator ecology!
Emily Dart is an emerging land steward and restoration enthusiast currently working with Siglo Group, where she helps manage trail restoration projects along the Barton Creek Greenbelt in partnership with the Austin Parks Foundation. Her connection to Texas ecology blossomed during the three years she lived and worked on the Spicewood Ranch and Conservation, where she started cultivating a native food forest, and had the opportunity to assist in restoration efforts alongside native plant expert Bill Carr and restoration specialist David Mahler.
Free Explore
12:15 PM
Free Explore
Explore any of the native species with our team of experts.
CollinMcMichael holds a Master’s degree from Wesleyan University in Biology and an arborist certification through ISA. Now the Institutional Giving Officer at Emancipet, he was previously TTC’s Conservation Manager with 7 years of Central Texas tree-care experience and 15 years of experience working in the field of ecology. Collin is a major enthusiast of the healing aspects of nature and positive outdoor experiences and aims to make these more accessible to all Austinites.
Location & Directions
Our BioBlitz site is a Holly Shores. Parking is available in front of the Lorraine “Grandma” Camacho Activity Center and along the street. When you arrive, walk down past the baseball fields and look for the organge TTC flags.