24-Hour “Bio Blitz” Taking Place July 22 at Babcock

July 6, 2017

From 9 a.m. on Saturday, July 22 to 9 a.m. on Sunday, July 23, local residents and scientists from around New England will converge on the Babcock Nature Preserve in Eden, Vermont to take part in a 24-hour inventory of the preserve’s flora and fauna. This event, billed as a “BioBlitz,” is the first time that Babcock’s animals and plants have been formally catalogued, something that BioBlitz organizer Dr. Lisa Zinn, an Environmental Science instructor at Johnson State College, says is a real draw to experts on specific species.

“It’s an exciting opportunity to take a look at an area that’s never been studied. There may be some surprises!”

Residents from around the area are encouraged to take part in the day, for as long as they choose, and families are welcome. Specialists will be on site to help direct volunteers on what to look for. Environmental educators will also be present to share information about Babcock and the importance of citizen science in gathering data and expanding our understanding of the natural world.

The BioBlitz is funded by a Vermont Community Foundation grant that was recently secured by Dr. Zinn. Babcock Nature Preserve is owned and maintained by Johnson State College. For more information about the event and volunteering, please contact Lisa.Zinn@jsc.edu. More information about Babcock is available here.