BioBlitz participants will identify as many species of plants, animals, fungi and other organisms as possible in one day. The event is open to community members of all ages.
The Environmental Educational Center at Longwood’s Lancer Park will be “BioBlitz central” on Saturday, April 21, for the third annual hands-on science event.
Set for 9 a.m.-noon, Longwood BioBlitz is open to families, teachers, students, alumni and anyone else with an interest in nature and the environment. Participants will explore the Appomattox River floodplain behind the Environmental Education Center with the goal of finding and identifying as many species of plants, animals, fungi and other organisms as possible in one day, said Dr. Sujan Henkanaththegedara, assistant professor of biology and a BioBlitz organizer.
“If you want to catch some salamanders and hold them in your hands, show up. This is going to be educational and fun,” he said.
Activities include collecting data on local biodiversity, bird watching, participating in a scavenger hunt and “walking” on a Virginia map to learn Virginia geography and natural history.
“I hope this event promotes a sense of wonder in participants to better understand the intricate and interconnected systems of the world around us,” said Dr. Edward Kinman, professor of geography, who also is a BioBlitz organizer.
Participants are encouraged to download the free iNaturalist app, which is available on Google Play for Android and the Appstore for Mac, to their phones or tablets before arrival. The app will be used to record observations.
For more information, visit https://blogs. longwood.edu/longwoodbioblitz/game-plan/.
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