Friday, September 16, 2011

BioBlitz! An Extreme Nature Scavenger Hunt in Odiorne Point State Park

RYE—
The Seacoast Science Center will hold its 9th annual BioBlitz! on Saturday, September 24. BioBlitz! is a dawn-to-dusk species scavenger hunt, where you can explore Odiorne Point State Park alongside scientists, field naturalists and backyard enthusiasts to record data on as many different species in Odiorne Point State Park as possible in one day.
Bring your boots, binoculars and butterfly nets; families are welcome. BioBlitz! is a great way to excite children about science and a rare opportunity to meet many passionate biologists working together.
Meet at the Seacoast Science Center to join a team. The exploration schedule is as follows: 6 a.m. Birding, 8 a.m. Insects, 9 a.m. Freshwater Pond, 10 a.m. Mammals, 11 a.m. Plants, 1 p.m. Salt Marsh, 2 p.m. Seaweed, 3 p.m. Tide Pooling, 4 p.m. Species Overview.
Additional guided field programs and special activities take place throughout the day and will be announced during the event.
The Center’s Gregg Interactive Learning Studio will serve as homebase. There, you will see samples of species collected by naturalists and learn about the identification process. You can see amazing images of the plants, animals and activities from past years on the big-screens, observe insects through microscopes, see samples of seaweeds and fungi, and research on your own on our touch-screen computers.
At noon, renowned nature photographer Jerry Monkman will discuss his work on the international initiative, Meet Your Neighbors, and his images that were taken in Odiorne, which are currently on display in the Center’s Learning Studio Gallery. Jerry and his wife Marcy have published several adventure and eco-photography books including “Wild Acadia.”
Seacoast Science Center members have the opportunity to participate in a special members-only program with author and evolutionary biologist Dr. Michael Canfield at 1:30 p.m. After a brief presentation on the historical context of field notes, participants will head outdoors with Michael to create their own field notes. Become a member today to participate.
BioBlitz! is much more than just a one-day endeavor. The data collected is used to assess biodiversity in the park. Join us to help break the record of more than 1,830 species recorded at Odiorne since 2003. With insight gained through BioBlitz!, participants will understand how they can create habitats that help increase biodiversity at home.
Thanks to generous support from Normandeau Associates, ReVision Energy and Seatrade International, admission is free to those who register before September 20. You can find details and register online at www.seacoastsciencecenter.org/events. Please call 603-436-8043 for more information.
Photo caption: The Seacoast Science Center will hold its 9th annual BioBlitz! on Saturday, September 24 from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (Courtesy photo)