Cradle of Forestry Invites All Ages to Pink Beds BioBlitz

The Cradle of Forestry in America invites nature enthusiasts of all ages and knowledge levels to the Pink Beds BioBlitz on Saturday, June 16, 2018. Be a citizen scientist with naturalists and forest scientists to discover the diversity of life in this special part of Pisgah National Forest, and add to knowledge gained about the area.

Those who would like to participate can come the day of to the Cradle of Forestry in America’s outdoor amphitheater before 1:00pm. Following a brief welcome they will split into zones throughout the Pink Beds and take photos of all species they find along the way. One zone has been established on the Cradle of Forestry’s Biltmore Campus 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 BioBlitz participants that day.

After exploring, the 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. This event is supported by the National Environmental Education Foundation. Other partners include ecoEXPLORE and El Centro of Hendersonville.

Additional Activities during the Pink Beds Bioblitz Schedule include:

* 9:30 a.m.- 12:00 p.m. – Photography booth with National Geographic photographer, Kevin Fitzpatrick of All Species Photography. Visit with Hemlock Restoration Initiative, Natural Inquirer and Wild South.
* 9:30 a.m. -11:00 a. m.- Conducting citizen science projects including The Ant Picnic and Caterpillar Count with Cradle staff
* 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. – Introduction to ecoEXPLORE with North Carolina Arboretum staff. Please register for ecoEXPLORE ahead of time at ecoexplore.net
* 12:45 p.m. -3:00 p.m. Meet at Amphitheater and head out to BioBlitz!
* 3:00 p.m.- 4:00 p.m. Meet in Perkins Room of Forest Discovery Center to upload photos to iNaturalist and register for a small door prizes.
* 6:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. – The Search for the Rusty-Patched Bumblebee guided walk with Wild South staff.
* 7:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Flip a Log reptile and amphibian search with Cradle of Forestry staff.
* 9:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. Bat mistnetting with N.C. Wildlife Resource Commission staff in Pink Beds. Nocturnal bug hunt with Cradle staff.

The Cradle of Forestry in America is located on U.S. Highway 276 in the Pisgah National Forest along the Forest Heritage National Scenic Byway 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.

For more information about the Pink Beds BioBlitz call the Cradle of Forestry at 828-877-3130 or visit www.cradleofforestry.com/events.

 

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