Gateway National Recreation Area and the American Littoral Society will team up again this year to host a BioBlitz at Sandy Hook on September 23-24, 2016.
The 2016 Sandy Hook BioBlitz is one of more than 100 being held throughout the National Park System to celebrate the National Park Services’ centennial. This 24 hour event will start at 1pm on Friday, September 23, 2016 and conclude at 1pm on Saturday, September 24, 2016.
A BioBlitz is a biological inventory where volunteers work alongside scientists and expert naturalists to find and identify as many species as possible over a short time period. It is an opportunity to increase awareness of the diversity of organisms that exist within our park; to become more connected to our surroundings; to increase our understanding of biodiversity; to become empowered to protect the places and spaces where nature exists; and – most importantly – to have fun!! It’s a celebration and exploration of biodiversity!
Gateway National Recreation Area and the American Littoral Society are teaming up again this year to host a BioBlitz at Sandy Hook on September 23-24, 2016. A BioBlitz is a biological inventory where volunteers work alongside scientists and expert naturalists to find and identify as many species as possible over a short time period. It is a celebration and exploration of biodiversity.
The 2016 Sandy Hook BioBlitz Opening Ceremony is on Thursday, September 22 from 7-8 pm at Monmouth University in West Long Branch, NJ. Thomas Brown of the College of Staten Island Biology Department will present "Sandy Hook - A Biodiversity Rest-Stop for Landbirds" at the Samuel Hays Magill Commons, Room 107. Mr. Brown will explore the importance of the Sandy Hook Peninsula as a stop-over site for migratory landbirds. Since 2009, he has applied mark-recapture techniques to study the diversity of birds that use Sandy Hook to rest and refuel.
The BioBlitz itself will begin on Friday, September 23 at 1 p.m. and the closing ceremony will take place on Saturday, September 24 at 1:30 p.m.
Volunteers will have the opportunity to work alongside scientists and expert naturalists to conduct biological surveys and provide a snapshot of biodiversity in the park. Volunteers are also needed to assist at the "Base Camp" with general information, registration, food preparation, GIS, photography, and social media. Base Camp is located at the Fort Hancock parade ground, 18 Hartshorne Drive, Highlands, NJ 07732.
You can also join in interpretive programs that will be held throughout the 2 day event to explore the marshes of Plumb Island, discover the plants and animals living in Sandy Hook Bay, view the Sandy Hook night sky, and experience the park's maritime holly forest.
All events are free and open to the public. Additional information and registration is available at the event website bioblitz16.ciesin.columbia.edu/home.
You can also follow the progress on social media by following both GatewayNPS and/or LittoralSociety on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
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