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| 10th annual BioBlitz! During this extreme nature scavenger
hunt, you can explore with field experts to find and identify as many different
species as possible in one day. Here, a group pulls a seine net in to see what
they have captured after dragging it along the sandy bottom Little Harbor at
the northern end of Odiorne Point State Park. (courtesy photo)
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The Seacoast Science Center will hold its 10th annual
BioBlitz! on Saturday, September 15 from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. BioBlitz! is a
daylong species scavenger hunt of Odiorne Point State Park, where the public
explores alongside scientists and field naturalists to find and record data on
as many different species in the park as possible in one day.
New this year, invited experts will begin searching for
species the evening before the public event, making it the first 24 hour
BioBlitz! for the Center. On September 15, participants will learn what species
were found in the dark of the night.
BioBlitz! offers opportunities for individuals and families
to gain knowledge and skill in their favorite area of nature. Exploration teams
will be birding, searching for insects, snakes and amphibians, exploring the
freshwater pond and salt marsh, tracking mammals, identifying plants and
seaweeds, tide pooling and more. You can sign up to participate in all or part
of the day. Additional guided field programs and special activities will be
announced throughout the day.
BioBlitz! is a great way to excite children about science
and a rare opportunity to meet many passionate biologists working together.
Odiorne’s 135 acres and seven distinctly different habitats make it a unique
and fascinating place to explore and learn.
According to education director Perrin Chick, “Despite wet
and windy conditions last year, sixty-seven new species were added to our list.
You never know what you will discover. A rarely seen Atlantic Moonfish was
found by an eight year old boy.”
If you are not up for scouring the park, there is still
plenty to explore in the Center’s Gregg Interactive Learning Studio. 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, research on your own on our
touch-screen computers.
Since the first BioBlitz! in 2003, the total number of
species identified in Odiorne tops 1,890. This extremely valuable catalogue
serves as a snapshot of the biodiversity of flora and fauna of the region. The
knowledge gained during BioBlitz! has provided multiple opportunities to
educate school children, families and groups. Special thanks go to sponsors
Normandeau Associates, ReVision Engery, and Westinghouse for supporting the
event.
To learn how you can help the Center add to the list, find a
detailed schedule, and register online at www.seacoastsciencecenter.org/events.
Members of the Seacoast Science Center may participate at no cost. The event is
free for members of the Seacoast Science Center; $5 for non-members; $20 for
non-member families (up to 6 people). Contact Perrin at 603-436-8043, ext. 17
or p.chick@seacentr.org for more information or to inquire how groups can get
involved.
