A little exercise, an educational outing and a greater appreciation of the natural world around us are things we can all use from time to time.

The Nansemond River Preservation Alliance provided all of these opportunities in one event recently with its first “BioBlitz” event in Bennett’s Creek Park on Friday. About two dozen people of all ages and varying levels of scientific expertise attended to walk around and identify various members of the animal and plant worlds that are residing in the park.

By the time the event was over, dozens of species of birds, trees and other plants, insects, fish, reptiles and crustaceans had been identified by experts and hobbyists with the group.

They spotted egrets and hawks, butterflies and dragonflies, poplars and magnolias, crabs and shrimp, all of which are depending upon the river and its domain for their life cycle.

The inventory of denizens of the park and the nearby creek, which flows into the Nansemond River, will be especially helpful to the Nansemond River Preservation Alliance as it continues the work of educating local residents, industries and governments on the importance of improving the water quality, aesthetics and access to the river and its tributaries.

There’s also the benefits to the folks who came out and participated in the event. They got plenty of exercise, probably learned a few new things about the animals and plants that live nearby and might be inspired to spend some more time out in the world, particularly in spring and summer when they can view such majestic creatures as they saw on Friday.

Congratulations to the Nansemond River Preservation Alliance for yet another educational program that involves the public in its important mission.