Cradle of Forestry Invites Nature Enthusiasts to Pink Beds Bioblitz

The Cradle of Forestry in America invites nature enthusiasts of all ages and knowledge levels to the first spring Pink Beds Bioblitz on Saturday, May 20, 2017. Join naturalists and scientists to discover the diversity of life in this special part of Pisgah National Forest, and add to knowledge gained about the area during last fall’s Bioblitz.

Those who would like to participate should register that morning at the Pink Beds Picnic Area from 9:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. There, they will split into planned zones along the Pink Beds Trail and take photos of all species they find along the way. A zone has been established on the Cradle of Forestry’s Forest Festival Trail, which is wheelchair and stroller accessible, and friendly to our youngest observers. Registration is free as is entrance to the Cradle of Forestry for registered Bioblitz participants that day.

After exploring, groups will gather at the Forest Discovery Center and upload observations to the iNaturalist app. This citizen science tool aids in identification and data collection. You can download this app at home on a smartphone or at the Cradle of Forestry. Bring your smartphone or regular camera with a laptop to upload photographs.

Participants should wear closed-toe shoes and pants for extra protection, bring along water, and prepare for the weather. Magnifying glasses and binoculars are fun and useful exploring tools. Pack a lunch or enjoy a meal at the Café at the Cradle, open from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Spring Pink Beds Bioblitz Schedule is:

7:00 a.m. – Meet at the Pink Beds Picnic Area for a guided bird walk with naturalist Vicky Burke

9:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Register at Pink Beds Picnic Area and pick your Bioblitz zone

10:00 a.m. – Meet your zone leader; Bioblitz kickoff

12:15 p.m. – Electrofishing near Pink Beds Picnic Area

12:30-3:00 p.m. – Meet back at Forest Discovery Center for refreshments, uploading photos, and raffle

10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. – Learn about conservation projects happening in western North Carolina from local organizations at the Cradle’s Forest Discovery Center

7:30 p.m. – Guided Reptile and Amphibian walk on portion of Pink Beds loop trail

The Pink Beds Picnic Area is located on U.S. Highway 276 in the Pisgah National Forest along the Forest Heritage National Scenic Byway, on the right just north of the Cradle of Forestry entrance, about six miles north of Looking Glass Falls and four miles south of the Blue Ridge Parkway milepost 412. The Cradle of Forestry is open daily from 9:00 to 5:00 and offers restrooms, a gift shop, exhibits, trails, and the Café at the Cradle to enjoy.

 

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