Bio Blitz An Opportunity to Learn

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The Bio Blitz, part scientific data gathering, part festival and part fun educational activities, scheduled for 24 hours Sept. 18 at the Sandy Hook area of Gateway National Recreation Area is an educational opportunity no family should pass up.
The Blitz, co-sponsored by the National Park Service and the American Littoral Society, is designed to engage the public in learning more about the environment and how protecting it is critically important. Families can join explorations with scientists and biologists cataloging the many species present in the area to determine how the data compares to five years ago, when the last Blitz was held. That helps scientists measure the impact of tide, weather and temperatures, and human impact on the environment. There is still time to volunteer so read the story about it and ensure your place to race against the clock and identify as many species as possible. During the explorations, the American Littoral Society is offering a number of educational programs Friday and Saturday that no one should miss. Interested folks should wear shoes and clothes that can get wet or muddy and should bring sufficient water, bug spray, cameras, sun tan lotion and binoculars. Activities include a sunset seining, where volunteers are invited to help pull a 40-foot seine net through the bay, and then learn from professionals about what they caught. Also, explorers can walk with a park ranger on a natural history hike on Plum Island, or join in a family Sky Watch to learn about what the sky has to offer. Bird watchers will have the opportunity to see a nesting pair of osprey. The American Littoral Society, a non-profit organization that promotes the study and conservation of marine life and habitat, has been a leader in coastal conservation for 54 years. Take advantage of these two wonderful institutions – the National Park Service and the American Littoral Society. Like so many organizations in The Two River Area, we’re lucky to have them. The health of our coastal community is critical to our quality of life, as well as our health and the economic health of our community. Take advantage of their programs, appreciate the good they do and support them. Our coast is in good hands. But they need your support.