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National Geographic and National Park Service: 10 Years of BioBlitz. One annual BioBlitz in an urban NPS unit, leading up to 2016 centennial 2007: Rock Creek Park 2008: Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area 2009: Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore 2010: Biscayne National Park.
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National Geographic and National Park Service: 10 Years of BioBlitz • One annual BioBlitz in an urban NPS unit, leading up to 2016 centennial • 2007: Rock Creek Park • 2008: Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area • 2009: Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore • 2010: Biscayne National Park
Why Saguaro National Park? • Biogeographically unique & diverse desert • Southwestern city with a lot of scientists • Close ties with surrounding communities • Successful and active environmental education programs • Enthusiastic staff
Major Goals of our BioBlitz • Find, identify, and learn about as many species as possible • Highlight unique biodiversity protected by NPS system-wide • Introduce public & scientists to their local NPS lands & waters • Let the public do science in the field with experts • Inspire the next generation of organismal biologists and stewards • Guide people in reconnecting to nature • Build capacity & interest
Base Camp and Satellites Exhibit Booths & Biodiversity University K-12 School Group Activities BioBlitz Scientists & Inventories Public Presentations Social Media Celebrate BioDiversity Festival Major Components of BioBlitz
One Park = Two Districts = different resources 91,445 acres and 70,905 acres designated wilderness RMD – six biotic communities desert scrub desert grassland oak woodland pine-oak woodland pine forest mixed conifer forest TMD – two biotic communities desert scrub desert grassland 2,670 - 8,666 ft elevation range Nearly 58,000 acres designated wilderness 2,180 - 4,687 ft elevation range Over 13,000 acres designated wilderness
Tucson Mountain District, Saguaro National Park Potential locations for BioBlitz activities Base Camp
Rincon Mountain District, Saguaro National Parkshowing potential locations for BioBlitz activities
Lots of activities at basecamp • Scientist tent open to public • Ranger-led hikes • Live animal demonstrations • Music & entertainment • Etc.
Biodiversity University Students and the general public will be invited to participate in the festival through the BioDiversity University.
Social Media • Blogs • Facebook • Twitter • YouTube • Live chats • Re-posting
Scientists Leading Inventory Teams Keying Out Species Informal Education Submission and QA of Data
K-12 Education Resources www.nationalgeographic.com/bioblitz
Who we still need… Communications and Technology specialists to help plan solutions to IT deficiencies Incredible organizers, who can site manage and want to work with the Park staff prior to the event YOU! We want you to participate!
Roles for Collaborators • Promote – web, listserve, newsletters, calendars • Contribute experts to lead inventories and work with school groups • Recruit event helpers • Host pre BioBlitz events • Use our online educational materials • Exhibit at a booth • Provide public speakers and demonstrations
How Collaborators Benefit • Reach new audiences, in person and via the press • Advance your mission • Promote and strengthen your ties to the park • Strengthen your national organizations’ ties to NPS and NGS • Generate ideas for doing your own BioBlitz
Thank you. We look forward to working together! bioblitz@ngs.org (202) 775-6186
Park contacts… Science – Don_Swann@nps.gov Anna_Iwaki@nps.gov(scientists) Education – Chip_Littlefield@nps.gov Public Programs – Richard_Hill@nps.gov Or Andy_L_Fisher@nps.gov Natasha_Kline@nps.gov