Presented by the Woodstock Land Conservancy together with the Catskill Center, Bioblitz 2017 will pair scientists and expert naturalists with normal people to study and document the current state of biodiversity at the Thorn Preserve in Woodstock, NY.
The beautiful 60-acre Thorne Preserve contains various habitats: a stream, a pond, wetlands, forest, and open mead- ow habitats. Participants can expect to learn about life in the stream, birds, trees, wildflowers, reptiles and amphibians, butterflies, wild and domestic bees, invasive plants and various soils.
Scheduled events include a bird walk, butterfly identification and Friday’s explorations will continue after dark — hello bats and owls!
At 2016’s event, over 280 species were identified at the preserve.
Participation is free, no experience is necessary and citizen scientists of all ages are welcome, but please, dogs must stay at home.
A base camp tent will be on site as a place to gather, relax, discuss finds and compile data, peruse guide books and collaborate.
Biodiversity is the diversity of life within a given area. It is a powerful indicator of environmental quality. An ecosystem under any kind of stress, such as pollution or habitat fragmentation, will show a drop in biodiversity.
Data collected at the BioBlitz will be used to study the changes that occur at the Catskill Center’s Thorn Preserve and to make thoughtful management decisions to preserve the biodiversity of the habitat.
Advance training to become a citizen scientist and help scientists record data or take photos at the BioBlitz are scheduled for two dates in July (both are optional and free) at the Thorn Preserve: Wednesday July 19, 2017 at 6pm and Saturday July 22, 2017 at 10am.
Friday, July 28th Schedule
9:00 AM Herbaceous Plants/Wildflowers with Gretchen Stevens
11:00 AM Soils with Christian Malfatski
12:30 to 1:30 PM Lunch Bring your own picnic lunch! Refreshments and snacks will be provided.
1:30 PM Odonates (Dragon Flies and Damsel Flies) with Joe Bridges
3:00 PM Life in the Stream (Aquatic Macroinvertebrates) with Nicolas Echevarria & Peter Koch
4:30 PM Reptiles and Amphibians with Melissa Fadden
6:30 PM Social Gathering for all BioBlitz participants at Base Camp. Light food and refreshments provided.
8:15 PM Bats with Mike Cooper
Saturday, July 29th Schedule
8:00 AM Birds with Steve Chorvas
9:30 AM Trees with Dr. Vern Rist
11:00 AM Invasives with Dan Snider
12:30 AM to 1:30 PM Lunch Bring your own picnic lunch! Refreshments and snack will be provided.
1:30 PM Butterflies with Steve Chorvas
3:00 PM Bees with Chris Layman
Complete the BioBlitz Scavenger Hunt for all ages at anytime!
The Thorn Preserve is owned by The Catskill Center and located at 55 John Joy Road in Woodstock, NY. The newly acquired and protected preserve is comprised of 60 beautiful acres in the heart of Woodstock, Ulster County.
Thorn Preserve boasts the most painted views of Overlook Mountain. Sweeping bird and butterfly grassland habitat, riparian forest, and ponds make this spot a wonderful break from the bustle of town. Mowed walking paths are easily accessible from John Joy Road.
Thorn Preserve is operated in partnership with Woodstock Land Conservancy, together they are reating a shared vision for this remarkable community resource. Thorn Preserve will remain an an undeveloped landscape, which will allow us to offer nature-based education, sustainable agriculture, model stream management, and possibly an artists retreat.