News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 17, 2009

Bio Blitz in Old Woman Creek National Estuarine Research Reserve and
Erie MetroParks, July 30-31

 
HURON, OH - Ohioans are invited to team up with scientists to conduct a 24-hour biological survey of three protected areas in Erie County from 9 a.m. Thursday, July 30 to 9 a.m. Friday, July 31. Part festival, part educational event, part scientific endeavor, the Bio Blitz will bring together scientists, naturalists, volunteers and the public to identify plants and animals within the Old Woman Creek National Estuarine Research Reserve and Erie MetroParks' Hoffman Forest MetroPark and Edison Woods MetroPark, all part of the Old Woman Creek watershed.
 
"Participating in this event will provide citizens an opportunity to discover nature by being scientists for a day and learn how protecting biodiversity benefits Lake Erie and their communities," said Phoebe Van Zoest, education specialist at Old Woman Creek Reserve.
 
Scientists will lead several hands-on programs for the public to assist with collection and identification of butterflies, small mammals, fish, snakes, turtles, plants, owls and other birds, snails and earthworms throughout the event, including hikes and a guided canoe tour.
 
"The Bio Blitz will allow the public to assist and learn from scientists and also to help increase our understanding of these natural areas. I will be surprised if we don't add new records to our species lists," said David Klarer, research coordinator at Old Woman Creek Reserve.
 
Programs will be offered at three locations:
Old Woman Creek Reserve 2514 Cleveland Road East Huron, OH
Edison Woods MetroPark 10186 Ceylon Rd (SR 61), Berlin Heights, OH
Hoffman Forest MetroPark 5313 Huff Rd, Berlin Heights, OH
 
Event is rain or shine, programs are subject to change without notice.
 
Thursday, July 30
9 - 10 a.m.         Opening Remarks and Birds at all three locations
10 - 11 a.m.       Insects at Edison Woods MetroPark
                          Trees at Old Woman Creek Reserve
11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
                          Butterflies at Edison Woods MetroPark
                          Fish at Old Woman Creek Reserve
Noon -1 p.m.     Earthworms at Old Woman Creek Reserve
1 - 2 p.m.           Trees at Edison Woods MetroPark
                          Butterflies at Hoffman Forest MetroPark
                          Snails at Old Woman Creek Reserve
2 - 3 p.m.          Macroinvertebrates at Hoffman Forest MetroPark
3 - 4 p.m.           Butterflies at Old Woman Creek Reserve
4 - 5 p.m.           Earthworms at Hoffman Forest MetroPark
                          Snakes at Old Woman Creek Reserve
5 - 6 p.m.           Insects at Hoffman Forest MetroPark
                          Turtles at Old Woman Creek Reserve
6 - 7 p.m.           Small mammals (set traps) at Edison Woods MetroPark and Old Woman Creek Reserve
7 - 8 p.m.           Earthworms at Edison Woods MetroPark
                          Trees at Hoffman Forest MetroPark
10 - 11 p.m.       Owls and other Nighttime Creatures at Edison Woods MetroPark and Hoffman Forest MetroPark
 
Friday July 31
4 - 5 a.m.           Moths at Old Woman Creek Reserve
5 - 6 a.m.           Owls and other Nighttime Creatures at Old Woman Creek Reserve
7 - 8 a.m.           Birds (mist net) at Edison Woods MetroPark
                          Small Mammals (check traps) at Old Woman Creek Reserve
8 - 9 a.m.           Small mammals (check traps) at Edison Woods MetroPark
9 -10 a.m.          Closing ceremony at Old Woman Creek Reserve
 
There is no charge to participate in Bio Blitz programs. Registration is appreciated, but not required.  Call 419-433-4601 to register or for more information.
 
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife's Old Woman Creek National Estuarine Research Reserve and Erie MetroParks are organizing this event with assistance from the ODNR Division of Natural Areas and Office of Coastal Management, Ohio Sea Grant College Program, Friends of Old Woman Creek, Firelands Coastal Tributary Watershed Program, and regional scientists and naturalists.
 
Old Woman Creek National Estuarine Research Reserve improves the understanding and stewardship of lower Great Lake estuaries, coastal wetlands and their watersheds. Visit the Old Woman Creek Reserve Web site at www.oldwomancreek.org.
 
Erie MetroParks preserves, conserves, protects, and enhances the natural and unique historical resources of the park district and provide opportunities for visitors and residents to use, enjoy, understand and appreciate these resources in a responsible, sustainable manner. Visit the Erie MetroParks Web site http://www.eriemetroparks.org/.