Jan 11, 2016
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
Nature Deficit Disorder and Our Future Stewards
Major Components of BioBlitz
K-12 School Group Activities
K-12 School Group Activities
Scientists & Inventories
Scientists & Inventories
Social MediaSocial MediaCelebrate
BioDiversity Festival
Celebrate BioDiversity
Festival
Public Presentations
Public Presentations
Exhibit Booths & Biodiversity
University
Exhibit Booths & Biodiversity
University
Base Camp and Satellites
Base Camp and Satellites
BioBlitzBioBlitz
One Park = Two Districts = different resources91,445 acres and 70,905 acres designated wilderness
TMD – two biotic communities
desert scrubdesert grassland
RMD – six biotic communities
desert scrubdesert grasslandoak woodlandpine-oak woodlandpine forest mixed conifer
forest
2,180 - 4,687 ft elevation rangeOver 13,000 acres designated wilderness
2,670 - 8,666 ft elevation rangeNearly 58,000 acres designated wilderness
(Showing both districts of Saguaro National Park)
Tucson Mountain District, Saguaro National Park
Potential locations for BioBlitz activities
Base Camp
Rincon Mountain District, Saguaro National Parkshowing potential locations for BioBlitz activities
SAGU BioBlitz Base Camp Plan
Base Camp
• Lots of activities at basecamp
• Scientist tent open to public
• Ranger-led hikes• Live animal
demonstrations• Music & entertainment• Etc.
Celebrate Biodiversity Festival
Exhibitors
Biodiversity University
Students and the general public will be invited to participate in the festival through the BioDiversity University.
Social Media
•Blogs
•YouTube
•Live chats
•Re-posting
Scientists
Leading Inventory Teams Keying Out Species
Informal Education Submission and QA of Data
Scientist led Field Inventory Teams
K-12 School Group Activities
K-12 Education Resourceswww.nationalgeographic.com/bioblitz
National Geographic FieldScope
Who we still need…
Communications and Technologyspecialists 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 [email protected] (202) 775-6186
Park contacts…
Science – [email protected][email protected] (scientists)
Education – [email protected]
Public Programs – [email protected]
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