Volunteer Naturalists, Scientists Needed At Union County’s 10th Annual “Bio-Blitz”

Expert and amateur scientists and naturalists are needed as volunteer members of “Bio-Blitz” teams during Union County’s 10th annual outdoor biodiversity event. Nature lovers of all ages will have the opportunity to get up-close and personal with wildlife in their own “backyard” during Bio-Blitz 2014, beginning at 5 p.m. on Friday, June 13, and continuing to 5 p.m. on Saturday, June 14, at Oak Ridge Park and the Ash Brook Reservation in Clark and Scotch Plains, New Jersey.

To register as a volunteer, go to the Union County website: www.ucnj.org/bio-blitz or send an e-mail tobkelly@ucnj.org requesting more information. Please specify your level of experience and team preference. Plant, fungi, insect, fish, bird, mammal, amphibian and reptile experts, and water monitors, along with amateur naturalists will collect and identify species from the two parks over a 24-hour period. Teams will return to Bio-Blitz Central, a tented field lab and exhibit space in Oak Ridge Park, to sort and count what they find.

“The Bio-Blitz is a great opportunity for the community and visiting scientists to learn more about the natural places that make Union County a special place to live,” said Freeholder Chairman Christopher Hudak. “Although these parks are surrounded by suburban development, they are perfect examples of how green spaces can provide a haven for people and wildlife.”

Bio-Blitz 2014 is sponsored by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders, the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation, and numerous local partner organizations. For more information, visit www.ucnj.org/bio-blitz.