Calling all bird nerds, tree geeks, insect gurus, and moss bosses! Are you skilled at identifying certain plants or animals? Do you have an interest in nature photography? Come participate in the first-ever Glover’s Ledge Bio-Blitz!

Antioch University New England’s Glover’s Ledge property covers 74 acres of New Hampshire forest, and it has yet to be extensively surveyed for all things living. As of 2015, some 67 species of plants and animals had been found. Now in its fourth year as an Antioch University property, the species list has grown to roughly 100 species, most of them birds. However, numerous taxa have not yet been surveyed, including insects, amphibians, herbaceous plants, fungi, and mosses.

To help generate a more thorough documentation of all living things at Glover’s Ledge, AUNE students are coordinating a bio-blitz on 23 June 2018. Over a 6-12 hour period, AUNE students will work with community volunteers to identify and document as many plants and animals within the property boundary. This event will lay the groundwork for a second, larger bio-blitz by identifying successful survey procedures.

Schedule (tentative):

5:00AM – Bird surveys begin

8:00AM – Morning meeting: new arrivals will gather at the pavilion to meet the bio-blitz organizers, receive an introduction to Glover’s Ledge, and sign up for surveys. Participants already out surveying have the option to join this meeting.

10:00AM – Late-morning meeting: same as above

12:00PM – Lunch: Everyone can gather for lunch at the pavilion to share stories and update the species list for the day.

3:00PM – Final meeting: Remaining participants will gather to briefly discuss how the bio-blitz could be improved and do a final species count for the day. Individuals are welcome to continue surveying after this meeting if they desire.

4:00PM - Post-meeting surveys for those who wish to continue looking!

9:00PM - Moth lighting and nocturnal animal surveys begin

Note: Anyone and everyone is welcome to attend. Arriving at one of the meeting times is recommended, but participants can arrive and depart at any time they wish. Please bring your own food and non-alcoholic beverages. Light snacks may be provided.

Questions can be directed to Steven Lamonde (slamonde@antioch.edu) and Sam Bator (sbator@antioch.edu). We look forward to seeing you there! If you have any previous bio-blitz experience, and would like to help organize or advertise this event, please let us know! less ↑