Centennial BioBlitzs Happening across the Country to Celebrate 100 years of the National Park Service

Date: May 17, 2016

Curious about the plants and animals of Homestead National of America, then be here on Saturday, May 21, 2016 for the Centennial Bioblitz! To celebrate 100 years of stewardship, the National Park Service is planning a shared nation-wide quest to discover and document biodiversity –the variety of living organisms in a place. You are invited to be part of the celebration as parks across the country host bioblitzes onMay 21, 2016.

At the Homestead National Monument of America Education Center experts will be leading groups of volunteers (that's you!) to look for and record: birds from7am-3pm;plants from10am –3pm;and insects from12:30-3pm. Help with as many sessions as you like and for as long as you like. Data will be collected using the iNaturalist app, but you do not need a device to participate, everyone is welcome!

You are also invited to discover something new at a Biodiversity Fair that will be happening at the Education Center from10 am –3 pm. Stations will be set up where you can learn about bugs, dig through mud and find water bugs, see the animals that live in soil, learn about the scat and tracks of mammals and do a fun craft or activity book.

Bring the whole family! There is something for everyone at Homestead National Monument of America. This summer you are invited to celebrate the Centennial of the National Park Service, by becoming a Centennial Junior Ranger. Complete 5 –10 activities in the Centennial Junior Ranger Activity Book and earn a special, wooden Centennial Junior Ranger badge!

"Great events like the Centennial BioBlitz and Biodiversity Fair make this a great year to explore your National Park Service Sites and enjoy the special events and opportunities while celebrating the Centennial of the National Park Service," said Mark Engler, the monument's Superintendent.

Remember, Homestead National Monument of America has an exciting schedule of events planned for 2016, the Centennial year of the National Park Service. Keep up with the latest information by following us on Twitter (HomesteadNM) and Facebook (Homestead National Monument of America).

Homestead National Monument of America is a unit of the National Park Service located four miles west of Beatrice, Nebraska and 45 miles south of Lincoln. Hours of operation are8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.MondaythroughFridayand9 a.m. to 5 p.m.SaturdayandSunday. Admission is free of charge. For additional information, please call 402-223-3514 or visit https://www.nps.gov/home/.