Want to do a bio-blitz? Learn how at Morris County Library, Sept. 7

Volunteers prowl for debris in Whippany River during cleanup in Morristown. Photo by Scott Schlosser
Volunteers prowl for debris in Whippany River during 2013 cleanup in Morristown. Photo by Scott Schlosser
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From the Morristown-based Whippany River Watershed Action Committee:

HOLY COW BATMAN, WHAT IS A BIO-BLITZ?

A Bio Blitz is a 24-hour snapshot of bio-diversity and is a tool to assess the health of the flora and fauna in the ecosystem.

Volunteers prowl for debris in Whippany River during cleanup in Morristown. Photo by Scott Schlosser
Volunteers prowl for debris in Whippany River during 2013 cleanup in Morristown. Photo by Scott Schlosser

Betty Ann Kelly, Environmental Specialist for the Union County Parks Commission, has been running one every year for the past 12.

She will make a power point presentation titled Bio Blitz: Bringing Nature & People Together Through Citizen Science during the Whippany River Watershed Action Committee’s (WRWAC) monthly meeting.

The presentation, which is free and open to the public, begins at 6 PM on Wednesday, Sept. 7, 2016, at the Morris County Library, at 30 East Hanover Ave., in Whippany, New Jersey. The WRWAC’s monthly meeting will follow after the presentation at approximately 7 PM.

Betty Ann Kelly will explain the history of bio blitzes; the components of one, how other organizations successfully do one, how they can be tailored for large or small groups and/or areas and most importantly, why to do one.

She is also responsible for invasive plant management, coordinating Union County’s Adopt-A-Park/Trail Programs, wildlife management and shoreline restoration programs.

“I have worked for the Union County Department of Parks & Recreation for almost 31 years. The park system includes approximately 7,000 acres and 36 parks,” states Kelly.  “My favorite event every year is the Bio-Blitz, a 24-hour event designed to gain a ‘snapshot’ of the biodiversity or species richness of a park or parks.”

“The WRWAC’s mission is to preserve, protect and maintain the land and water resources of the Whippany River Watershed,” states WRWAC Facilitator Art Vespignani.

“Our organization sponsors outreach programs such as this one to educate and inform the public and private sectors.”

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