A May 7 community event will allow participants to explore plants and animals in the local Sondermann Park as part of a nationwide “BioBlitz.”
The free event, co-sponsored by the Catamount Institute and the Colorado Geographic Alliance based at UCCS, will be 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Institute, 740 W. Caramillo St.
“This event gives everyone the chance to learn about ecosystems and to work hand-in-glove to find and identify species of plants, animals, microbes, fungi and other organisms in a specific location,” Rebecca Theobold, assistant research professor and coordinator for the Colorado Geographic Alliance, said. “These activities not only highlight the biodiversity of an area, demonstrating the importance of exploration and conservation, but also generate quality data to be used by scientists and citizen scientists alike.”
Participants will explore six stations divided into two riparian and grassland ecosystems at Sondermann Park. Scientists, classroom teachers, and outdoor educators will lead explorations from Catamount Institute into the park to discover examples of plants and animals in Colorado Springs.
“BioBlitzes” focus on areas that are connected to residential, urban, and industrial areas. Species in a “BioBlitz” are categorized into groups that have similar characteristics, known as taxonomic groups. Some examples of taxonomic groups include mollusks, vascular plants, fungi, and birds. The end result is a tally of species found in each of these groups.
“BioBlitzes” focus on areas that are connected to residential, urban, and industrial areas. Species in a “BioBlitz” are categorized into groups that have similar characteristics, known as taxonomic groups. Some examples of taxonomic groups include mollusks, vascular plants, fungi, and birds. The end result is a tally of species found in each of these groups.
Assistance with the event is needed. To volunteer, visit www.catamountinstitute.org/get-involved/volunteer/
Catamount Institute is a nonprofit organization founded in 1997 whose mission is to develop ecological stewards through education and adventure. Catamount Institute accomplishes this by connecting kids with nature through meaningful outdoor experiences. What’s more, children learn that they have the powerful ability to protect and nurture the natural world. It is these young nature lovers that will be tomorrow’s stewards of the earth. For more information, visit www.catamountinstitute.org
The Colorado Geographic Alliance is part of a network of 54 geographic alliances across the country. COGA’s objective is to provide resources and professional development for elementary and secondary school teachers to strengthen the position of geography in all Colorado schools. Administrative offices are located at UCCS. For more information, visit http://www.uccs.edu/~coga/.
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