Heritage Conservancy is conducting a BioBlitz (a private 24-hour scientific survey of plants and animals) on Thursday and Friday.
In honor of this, it is hosting a public BioBlitz Celebration from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Friday, to share the results at Croydon Woods Nature Preserve, 1900 Summit Ave., Croydon.
At the end of 2015, Heritage Conservancy acquired the 80-acre Croydon Woods Nature Preserve. The historic Superfund site is one of the last remaining Atlantic Coastal Plain Forests in Pennsylvania, meaning it supports a unique diversity of plants and animals.
The goal of the BioBlitz survey is to document as many plant and animal species as possible that are living or utilizing the preserve as a habitat. These biodiversity surveys will consist of teams of scientists, volunteers, and staff who will assess the property for each taxonomic group (mammals, birds, plants, insects, etc.).
Results from this survey will help Heritage Conservancy to better manage the preserve for recreational uses, such as trail walking and bird viewing, while limiting the impact on sensitive habitat areas.
During the survey, the trails will be closed at Croydon Woods Nature Preserve to avoid unnecessary disturbance of the area. However, after the survey is completed, the public is invited to attend the BioBlitz Celebration.
Findings from the scientists will be revealed during this free family-friendly extravaganza filled with fun activities, games, guided hikes, and free food truck goodies. There will be hands-on educational tables presented by Heritage Conservancy’s nonprofit partners, and free door prizes donated by local businesses. Food trucks include the Munchy Machine and Kona Ice, with music by Rebel Strings.
Program support is provided by the William Penn Foundation. Local event partners include Silver Lake Nature Center, G.O.A.L., Gilmore & Associates, Margaret R. Grundy Memorial Library, Snipes Farm and Education Center, East Coast Greenway Alliance, Pennsylvania Environmental Council, DOW Chemical Company, Penn State Extension Master Watershed Stewards, Harry S. Truman High School Environmental Club, Lenape Nation of Pennsylvania, Arthropod Lego display from ColonialLUG, and the Croydon Fire Company No. 1.
For information, contact Whittier Henke at whenke@heritageconservancy.org, call 215-345-7020 x110, or visit heritageconservancy.org/our-events/bioblitz-celebration/.
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