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First annual BioBlitz to record all living species at Blandford Nature Center

Blandford
Blandford Nature Center
7/19/12 01:38pm
culture Nonprofit Dispatches

This dispatch was added by one of our Nonprofit Neighbors. It does not represent the editorial voice of The Rapidian or Community Media Center.

Join Blandford Nature Center for their very first BioBlitz!
Underwriting support from:

BioBlitz Saturday Events

Noon - 1 p.m. SPECIES OF SPECIAL CONCERN

Blandford's Wildlife staff will give a presentation on Michigan's species of special concern and discuss ways you can make a difference in your own backyard. Participants will get a close up look at some of Blandford's own species of special concern.

 

1 p.m. - 2 p.m. BIOBLITZ GUIDED TOUR

Take a behind the scenes look at a Bioblitz in action. Participants will have a chance to ask our area scientists questions about their findings.

 

2 p.m. - 3 p.m. BE A BOTANIST - PLANT ID WORKSHOP

Learn how Biologists Identify plants and participate in a Hoop Inventory. You will help contribute real data to our Bioblitz, gain some new botanist skills, and have fun along the way.

 

3 p.m. - 4 p.m. STORY TIME HIKE: ECOSYSTEM EXPLORATION

Come out and enjoy a Magic School Bus story as we learn about ecosystems and habitats. After the story will will take a hike to explore some of Michigan's unique ecosystems and discuss ways you can help.

 

4 p.m. - 5 p.m. BIOBLITZ COMMUNITY CELEBRATION

Come out and help us celebrate all of our findings for our first-annual Bioblitz. Scientist will discuss their findings and we will celebrate the diversity of Blandford.   This event is free to everyone.

 

All events are free for members and $3 for non-members

BNC Volunteers working in the field

BNC Volunteers working in the field /Blandford Nature Center

Living in our fast-paced society, it’s easy to forget about the natural world in which we are only a small part. Unfortunately, this unawareness has led to a severe collapse of biodiversity. Blandford Nature Center wishes to address this issue.

According to the UN Environmental Programme, “the Earth is in the midst of a mass extinction of life. Scientists estimate that 150-200 species of plant, insect, bird and mammal become extinct every 24 hours. [Such incredible loss] is greater than anything the world has experienced since the vanishing of the dinosaurs nearly 65 million years ago.”

There are many ways to help battle this problem. One way is to take part in a BioBlitz. A BioBlitz is an intense period of biological surveying that attempts to record all the living species within a designated area. It is a way to bring scientists, naturalists, and community members together and raise awareness for biodiversity. 

Blandford will host its very first BioBlitz in hopes of discovering what species of plants, animals, microbes, fungi and other organisms consider Blandford their home. According to Blandford Nature Center naturalists Kristin Tindall and Jesica Lamden, “in order to understand the changes that might happen in the future, it is important for us to understand what is here now.” The Blandford BioBlitz begins at 5 p.m. on Friday, August 17 and wraps up at 5 p.m. on Saturday, August 18.

The BioBlitz offers a real element of mystery, “Do we have something on Blandford’s property that we didn’t know was here? It’s exciting to think there might be a plant or animal species on the property that no one has seen in the area for a long time,” remark Tindall and Lamden.

Not only will this event allow interested community members to engage in discussion with scientists and naturalists, but there will be a lot of great events happening on Saturday. These events, including a Story Time Hike for children and a Plant ID workshop, will be free for BNC members and $3 for non-members.

We need all the help we can get to make this BioBlitz a success. Whether you are an amateur hobbyist or a field biologist, any plant or animal ID skills will be welcomed. Call 616-735-6240 to R.S.V.P!

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