The second annual Berkshire BioBlitz (a.k.a. Biodiversity Days) will take place June 10 and 11, 2011, on Mount Greylock in Adams, Massachusetts. Bioblitz is an action-packed day designed as part scientific endeavor, part contest, part environmental festival, and part educational program. During a Bioblitz, scientists come together in a race against time to count as many species as they can in a given area over a 24-hour period.
A BioBlitz increases the public’s awareness of the variety of life in their immediate area, and the importance of that diversity. The word “biodiversity” is often used to refer to rainforests with their vast number of species, while the diversity of life in our own backyards is phenomenal. We may take for granted clean water, fertile soil, and clean air to breathe. Yet these resources are the result of a healthy ecosystem supported by local plants and animals. What better way to address this topic than to experience the vast array of species that can found in just one day?
A BioBlitz is an excellent tool to excite both children and adults about science. During these events, biologists from many disciplines have the rare opportunity to share their passions with people of all ages who will work side-by-side toward a common goal.
The Berkshire Bioblitz is organized by the Berkshire Museum and is co-sponsored by the Berkshire MCLA STEM Pipeline, the Berkshire Environmental Action Team (BEAT), the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), and Dr. Augie’s. Come join the fun. All events are free and held at DCR’s Mt Greylock Reservation. Programs are weather-permitting.
Come join us at the reservation!
