Grab your backpack and join the National Geographic Society and the National Park Service at the Indiana Dunes BioBlitz, a 24-hour event from May 15 to May 16, noon to noon, when teams of scientists, naturalists, community leaders, students and the public will join forces to discover and inventory every living plant and creature in one of the nation’s most biodiverse national parks.
The goals of the BioBlitz are to record as many living organisms in Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore in 24 hours, to increase awareness of the diverse species in this urban setting and to better understand how to protect the natural environment in the future. Chicago Wilderness and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources are collaborating in the race to discover and document the 15,000-acre park.
Following the species count will be the Celebrate Biodiversity Festival , on May 16, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., with music, talks, displays, and opportunities to explore more of the park, to talk with the scientists and to see them in action. With this year’s theme “Every Species Counts — Especially You,” a major focus will be what everyone can do to protect the park and the environment in general.
“Explorers” of all ages are needed. West Beach will serve as “base camp” for both the BioBlitz and the festival. Scientist and teacher registration now open. Public registration to mid-April. Advance registration is not required for ongoing base camp activities and/or Celebrate Biodiversityl. To learn more about the Indiana Dunes BioBlitz or to register, log onto www.nationalgeographic.com/bioblitz or call (800) 638-6400 ext. 6186.
