BioBlitz

Date: October 10, 2014
Contact: Keith Jefferson, 870-365-2798

Buffalo National River, in conjunction with the Heartland Inventory and Monitoring Network, will sponsor a BioBlitz held on October 18, 2014 at the Toney Bend Research Facility near Rush, Arkansas at 9:00 am. The BioBlitz will focus on water mites and their key role in controlling insect populations. Buffalo National River Heartland Inventory and Monitoring Network staff, scientists, teachers, students, and citizen scientists will work with Team Leader, Dr. Ashley P.G. Dowling of the University of Arkansas during an 8-hour event to find and identify as many different species of water mites within the park as possible using scientific methods.  In order to participate as a citizen scientist, volunteers must register as a team member by completing a registration form. BioBlitz teams have been limited to 20 members. Dr. Dowling will establish the schedule and methodologies used, leading the collections, and providing sampling equipment and supplies. Please note the minimum age requirement is 12 years of age. For ages 12-18, a parent/legal guardian must be present during all activities, and a parental release form is required for minors participating in this event.

This is a great opportunity to learn what scientists do every day at Buffalo National River. For more information, please go to https://www.nps.gov/buff/naturescience/bioblitz.htm to download registration forms.