Faculty and students assisting with Bioblitz
CHADRON – About 40 Chadron State College students and several faculty will participate with the third annual Chadron State Park Bioblitz Friday and Saturday at Chadron State Park, according to Amber Schiltz, Nebraska Wildlife Education Coordinator with the Bird Conservancy.
Schiltz said the Bioblitz, co-sponsored by the Bird Conservancy of the Rockies, Agate Fossil Beds National Monument, the Nebraska Forest Service, and Nebraska Game and Parks, is an engaging citizen science event designed to identify as many plants and animal species as possible within a designated area and timeframe. She said during the event, members of the public will team up with local natural resources experts, including CSC faculty members, to explore and learn about the biodiversity of the habitat found at Chadron State Park.
Although the event is free to the public and registration is optional, a park sticker is necessary on all vehicles. Registration for dinner is required.
The sessions throughout the park will include mammal surveys, plant surveys, insect surveys, and owl surveys plus special talks about bighorn sheep and mountain lions. To attend the Bioblitz, register at the Community Building.
Faculty members include Dr. Teresa Frink, associate professor of Applied Sciences, Dr. Mat Brust, associate professor of Physical and Life Sciences, Dr. Aaron Field, assistant professor of Applied Sciences, and Steve Rolfsmeier, director of the High Plains Herbarium.
Schiltz said members of the CSC Wildlife Club will help lead a session for the first time. They will conduct a fishing survey Saturday at 9 a.m. A total of 40 CSC students are registered for the Bioblitz, according to Schiltz.
Following a dinner and introduction at 6 p.m. in the Community Building Friday at Chadron State Park, activities and sessions will begin at 7 p.m. The evening schedule will include sessions about mountain lions, bighorn sheep, a hike and night sky program. Events are Saturday from 7 a.m. to noon.
Approximately 140 participants in 2017 identified more than 200 species of plants and animals at the 2017 Bioblitz.
Contact Schiltz at amber.schiltz@birdconservancy.org or 402-310-6137 for more information.
Friday
6 p.m. Introduction and dinner
7 p.m. Mountain lion and bighorn sheep session
8 p.m. Evening hike
9 p.m. Owl survey
9 p.m. Night sky program
Saturday
7 a.m. Bird survey
8 a.m. Mammal survey
9 a.m. Fishing survey
9 a.m. Aquatic insects survey
10 a.m. Tree and shrub survey
10 a.m. Fungi and lichen survey
11 a.m. Wildflower and grass survey
Category: Campus News, Range Management