“Central Park BioBlitz”

WHO KNOWS WHAT SPECIES LURK IN THE HEART OF
NEW YORK'S CENTRAL PARK? THE BIOBLITZ KNOWS!

June 27-28, 2003

Beginning at noon on June 27, 2003, hundreds of scientists, naturalists and volunteers will scour the world's most famous urban park as part of the first-ever Central Park BioBlitz, an important scientific event that is being organized by the New York-based Explorers Club (www.explorers.org).

WHAT: Central Park BioBlitz is a 24-hour inventory of all living organisms in Central Park. Teams of scientists and naturalists with expertise in various animal and plant groups, aided by a cadre of volunteers, will comb the Park's 843 acres, observing and recording as many species as possible during the 24-hour time period. The BioBlitz is one of the official events in the Celebration of the 150^th Anniversary of Central Park.

WHY: The goal of the BioBlitz is to add to species lists for as many animal and plant groups present in the Park as possible, and to increase public awareness of what biodiversity is and that it can exist within an urban environment. As recently as July 2002, scientists from the American Museum of Natural History discovered a new genus and species of centipede in Central Park.

WHO: Central Park BioBlitz is being organized by The Explorers Club in collaboration with the following organizations: The New York City Audubon Society, The Brooklyn Botanic Garden, The Center for Biodiversity and Conservation at the American Museum of Natural History, The Central Park Conservancy, The New York City Department of Parks & Recreation, The NYS Biodiversity Research Institute at the New York State Museum, UNESCO World Heritage Center, The Wildlife Conservation Society, and The Wildlife Trust.

Microsoft Corporation, as the official technology provider, has partnered with leading scientists to develop applications for its Tablet PCs. Given the mobile aspect and writing features of the Tablet, scientists will be able to "blitz" the Park faster and more efficiently.

WHEN: Friday June 27, 2003, noon to Saturday, June 28, 2003, noon. Rain or shine.

WHERE: Central Park.

OPENING CEREMONY: Friday, June 27, 2003, noon...at the Dairy Visitor Center, mid-park at 65th Street. New York City Department of Parks & Recreation Commissioner Adrian Benepe and Central Park Conservancy President Regina Peruggi will be on hand to launch the BioBlitz at noon on June 27. Naturalist Jim Fowler of The Today Show, underwater expert Dr. Sylvia Earle, and writer George Plimpton will also be participating in the event.

FOR THE PUBLIC - TALKS AND TOURS: On Friday, June 27, 2003, at 2 pm, 3 pm, 4 pm, 5 pm and 6 pm, and on Saturday, June 28, 2003, at 9 am, 10 am and 11 am, there will be hourly talks for the public on BioBlitz-related topics at The Dairy Visitor Center, mid-park at 65th Street. Speakers will include naturalist Jim Fowler, Explorers Club President Richard Wiese, underwater expert Dr. Sylvia Earle, writer George Plimpton and others. Check the Central Park BioBlitz website, www.nyc.bioblitz.org, for the exact schedule.

There will also be two, hour-long tours of the Park offered in conjunction with the BioBlitz. On Friday, June 27, 2003, at 3 pm, a walking tour that discusses the history of Central Park will leave from Bethesda Fountain (mid-park at 72nd Street). On Saturday, June 28, 2003, at 7 am, a walking tour about birding in Central Park will depart from Belvedere Castle (mid-park at 79th Street). Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Tours will be conducted by members of the Urban Park Rangers.

CONTACT: for BioBlitz - Jeff Stolzer, Communications Director, The Explorers Club - 212-628-8383, email: [email protected]; or Nancy Moon - 212-989-7530, email: [email protected]; for Commissioner Benepe - Margaret Johnson, NYC Dept. of Parks & Recreation - 212-360-1311; for Regina Peruggi - Scotia MacRae, Central Park Conservancy 212-310-6638.

BIOBLITZ WEBSITE: www.nycbioblitz.org.

[an error occurred while processing this directive]

Click here for Advertising Information