CSC faculty to assist with Bioblitz
CHADRON – Three Chadron State College faculty members are assisting with the Chadron State Park Bioblitz Sept. 9 and 10. The public is invited. Chadron State College Professor Dr. Teresa Frink will co-lead a session about small animal survey set-up Sept. 9 at 4:30 p.m. On Sept. 10 at 9 a.m., Assistant Professor Jonathan Spiess will teach a class on plants, and Professor Dr. Mathew Brust will lead a session about insects at 10 a.m.
The free, family-friendly event will pair members of the public with natural resources experts to explore and learn about the biodiversity and habitat at the park. Then, participants will work to identify as many plants and animals as possible during the event.
“This is a great way for folks of all ages and backgrounds to become engaged in nature and learn about the many species in this region,” said Amanda Filipi, an outdoor education specialist for the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission and event organizer.
Educational sessions over the two-day event will include moth backlighting, as well as how to conduct surveys for mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, plants, and insects.
One Friday afternoon set-up session is planned, but the event officially gets underway with a free pizza dinner, orientation and team trivia game at the park’s community building that evening. Registration is required to attend the dinner; RSVP through the event listing at calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov, the “Chadron State Park Bioblitz” event page on Facebook, or by contacting Filipi at 308-436-3777 or amanda.filipi@nebraska.gov.
Participants should sign in at the Group Event Facility, which will serve as the bioblitz headquarters.
People may attend as much of the event as they want. Those wishing to spend the night may rent a cabin or campsite via OutdoorNebraska.gov. Participants also can get their Nebraska Park Entry vehicle permit at the same web address.
The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission presents the bioblitz in collaboration with the Bird Conservancy of the Rockies, Chadron State College, and the Community Scientists of Nebraska Network. The Nebraska Environmental Trust is providing financial support.
Schedule
Friday, Sept. 9
4:30 p.m. Small mammal survey set-up (Shelley Steffl, Game and Parks, and Teresa Frink, Chadron State College)
6 p.m. Dinner
6:30 p.m. Orientation (Alie Mayes, Game and Parks)
7 p.m. Nature trivia with teams of five or less
8:30 p.m. Moth backlighting (Olivia DaRugna, Game and Parks)
Saturday, Sept. 10
7 a.m. Bird banding (Bird Conservancy of the Rockies)
8 a.m. Small mammals (Steffl and Frink)
9 a.m. Plants (Jonathan Spiess, Chadron State College)
10 a.m. Insects (Mathew Brust, Chadron State College)
11 a.m. Reptiles and amphibians (Colleen Rothe-Groleau, Game and Parks)
Category: Campus News, Physical and Life Sciences, Range Management