What's New
Nature Chelsea BioBlitz
ACRE's newest program is Nature Chelsea. It is being coordinated by Carolyn Callaghan.
The program's goal is to identify the lands in Chelsea that are highly valuable to biological diversity; and find creative ways to protect these areas by collaboratively working with landowners.
As well, Nature Chelsea has an educational component; which is to raise awareness of biodiversity among Chelsea residents.
This spring, Nature Chelsea is planning a Bio Blitz to help identify important habitat.
A BioBlitz is a 24-hour inventory of all living organisms in a given area. Botanists, mycologists, entomologists, mammalogists, herpetologists, and ornithologists participate in the survey. A full BioBlitz occurs over a 24-hour period as different organisms are active at different periods of the day. The blitz will provide a snapshot of spring biodiversity in Chelsea and also raise awareness of Chelsea's rich biodiversity. The BioBlitz is planned for June 6 - 7.
For the survey, a base camp will be set up so that scientists can store field equipment and identify specimens. ACRE intends to make the BioBlitz be a big event, an event that residents of Chelsea can be a part of.
Scientists will set out from the base camp as they conduct surveys throughout Chelsea. They will also engage the public by introducing them to specimens and talking about their work. As well they will provide expertise in identifying organisms found by the public.
ACRE needs many volunteers to help organize this event:
- people with event planning skills,
- people who can help to set up the base camp,
- people to prepare meals for the scientists, and
- interpreters to lead natural history walks and explain the BioBlitz to members of the public.
If you are interested in volunteering for this event, please provide your coordinates and expertise on the following form. A volunteer meeting will be held in early May.
Nature Chelsea email: naturechelsea@gmail.com
