Monday, September 19, was a day that started horribly for me, but quickly turned around into a great, productive day. That was the day of my BioBlitz session at Brooklyn Bridge Park. My session began at 6:00 am, and waking up at 4:30 am to make sure I get there on time was no easy task. When I had finally arrived, it began pouring rain, and lightning could be seen in the distance. “As if this day couldn’t get any worse,” I thought.

After we split up into groups, I was put into the microbes group, along with several of my class members. Our job was to collect samples from four different locations (two beaches, the spiral pool, and the salt marsh) in order to compare pH levels, soil composition, microbe diversity, etc. These measurements would then allow us to ensure that conditions remain favorable to the microbes living in the area.

Collecting the samples was no easy task. We first had to collect samples using a large test tube, and then transfer over 5 mL of soil from the large test tube to a small test tube. Throughout this whole process, we had to be extremely careful not to put our hands above the lid of the test tube, to avoid contamination from the microbes living on our hands.

After we had collected all our samples, I realized how much I had learned that day, about a topic I would have known nothing about otherwise. I have walked through Brooklyn Bridge Park many times, and I had never stopped to think about the organisms that call it home, and how they may be in danger. I am thankful for BioBlitz (even though the conditions were miserable) for opening up my eyes and teaching me about the importance of protecting microbial populations in their native environments.