Volunteers sought for BioBlitz

Sandy Hook — The National Park Service is celebrating its 100th birthday with more than 100 BioBlitzes around the country and the American Littoral Society is asking for help to make the 2016 Sandy Hook BioBlitz a success.
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. 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.

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.

You can also join in interpretive programs that will be held throughout the two-day event to explore the marshes of Plum 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