Greetings -

You are invited to participate in a citizen science project of the Pierce County Biodiversity Alliance - the Nisqually BioBlitz. A BioBlitz is a 24-hour intensive biological survey of the flora and fauna of an area, like a snapshot in time. Volunteers will be teamed up with experts to survey four areas for a variety of taxa, including: mammal (including bats, traps, and trackers), bird, amphibian, reptile, invertebrate (including butterflies), and botany.

Formally designated as Region 10E of the Nisqually Biodiversity Management Area (BMA), this area has an incredible mix of habitat. This 12-square mile area, located near the City of Roy, WA just east of Fort Lewis, is dominated by abundant wetlands, flood channels, Oak woodlands, and remnant prairies.

We will be surveying sites important to the wildlife that live there. Additionally, we will be targeting several species found in Oak woodlands and prairie habitats within and near the BMA. The BioBlitz will occur on Friday, May 15, starting at 3:00pm and ending on Saturday, May 16 at 3:00pm. Team leads will do some additional surveys before and after.

We will be inviting the public and members of the media to Science Central from Noon-3:00pm on Saturday, May 16th to view what was found in the field, heighten their awareness of the natural world, and offer ways to help support biodiversity in their own backyard.

So, the 2009 BioBlitz has three objectives. First, to continue to validate the species predicted to inhabit the area based on modeling conducted as part of our larger Pierce County Biodiversity Network Project. Second, to engage community members in discovering the biological richness of the region. Third, to have a great field day for all participants.

This is an intensive event and our team participants work hard documenting as many species as possible against the clock. Along with the taxa teams, there are a variety of volunteer opportunities available. Please indicate your interest by filling out the attached Participation form and sending it to me as soon as possible. Please contact me if you need additional information. (Please contact Krystal Kyer, see below, for the form as things are not copy/pasting out of the attachment real well.)

Thank you!

Sincerely,

--
Krystal Kyer
Conservation Coordinator

Tahoma Audubon Society
2917 Morrison Road W.,
University Place, WA 98466

www.tahomaaudubon.org
c: 253-232-9978