By NATALIE MARTIN

Vashon naturalists and other volunteers are gearing up for the island’s third 24-hour species survey. The Bioblitz, an annual event held by the Vashon Nature Center, will be from 3 p.m. Saturday to 3 p.m. Sunday at Lisabeula Park and several surrounding properties.

Vashon Nature Center director Bianca Perla said organizers chose the Lisabeula area, which includes pond and beach habitats, for this year’s Bioblitz because past surveys have been near the south and north ends of the island.

“It’s a new locale in terms of the island and getting a complete look at what biodiversity looks like on the island,” she said.

During past surveys, volunteers have identified and documented more than 300 species of plants, mammals, insects, shoreline animals and other creatures. That information is available to the state and county and has already helped the Vashon Nature Center create a field guide for Vashon.

This year King County and the land trust are sponsoring the event, and the nature center also received a grant from the Mountaineers Foundation to help purchase equipment for the survey.

“It feels like it’s growing and gathering interest from a lot of different islanders,” Perla said.

Organizers are still seeking volunteers for the Bioblitz. For more information, see www.vashonnaturecenter.org and click Events.