CELEBRATE BIODIVERSITY DAY
at the
Big Thicket National Preserve

Come discover the Biodiversity of the Big Thicket!
Free and open to the public.

On June 16, 2007, the Big Thicket Consortium will launch our All Taxa Biodiversity Inventory (ATBI).

9:00AM to 5:00PM

at the Big Thicket National Preserve Visitor Center on HWY 69 north of Kountze, Texas.

 
  • Hands-on activities for the whole family
  • Children's activities
  • Guest Speakers (Experts on Bears, Bats, Butterflies and MORE)
  • Art and photography exhibitions
  • Ugly Bugs and Greedy Plants - Up Close and Personal (Electron Microscope Demonstrations)
  • Discovery trips into the Preserve with Scientists and Park Rangers
  • Bar B Q Lunch available for purchase
  • All Taxa TALLY - Results from the Bio-Blitz and live input
     

Many of the Scientists will be in town the week of June 10-15 conducting a “bio-blitz”, an intensive survey effort in a given area. The June 16th CELEBRATE DIVERSITY DAY will showcase the results of the blitz and display the scientific equipment the researchers use. Scientists will be leading short collecting trips into the preserve on June 16th. so it is a chance for the public to see science in action and be a part of it, maybe even find a species new to the Big Thicket! Park Rangers will lead general hikes for the public and activities for children throughout the day.

Do you want to discover the kinds of mushrooms found in the woods of the Big Thicket?
Or what types of freshwater mussels are found in the streams?

Come learn about these as well as lesser known things like slime molds, psuedoscorpions, or tardigrades (also known as water bears). “There are lots of exciting things happening in the Big Thicket, and the All Taxa Biodiversity Inventory is at the top of the list,” stated Bruce Drury, President of Big Thicket Association. “It really opens your eyes to the amazing Biodiversity that surrounds us.”

“Citizen Scientists” will play a large role in the project as it progresses. These volunteers will receive training in scientific collection methods and data management and will serve along side of the scientists to help inventory the Preserve. We are also in need of web masters, photographers, artists, public relations and outreach volunteers. A booth will be set up at the June 16th CELEBRATE DIVERSITY DAY to register volunteers for the Thicket of Diversity. Come learn how you can become part of this exciting project.

For a complete schedule of events: http://www.thicketofdiversity.org/

For more information: phone 409.951.6700.

Experience Your America!

The National Park Service cares for special places saved by the American people so that all may experience our heritage.

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