Here’s your chance to learn about everything from butterflies to birds, crickets to katydids!  This is the 10th year of Academy BioBlitz events and the first of its kind held in outside of an urban park, offering a larger array of species to explore. Join teams of scientists and skilled naturalists during the Academy of Science – St. Louis BioBlitz at the Shaw Nature Reserve, Sept. 18 & 19. The event is free of charge and open to the public.  All ages are welcome.
           
[3]Area schools from the Ferguson-Florissant District, St Louis Public Schools, Eureka, Washington, and Meramec Valley will be attending the event on Friday, Sept. 18 from 9:30 a.m.  to 2 p.m. taking part in a wide array of environmental activities.

The Academy of Science - St. Louis BioBlitz serves as both a biodiversity study of the Shaw Nature Reserve and an educational adventure for professional ecologists and nature lovers alike. Environmental field experts and scientists from public, private and academic sectors lead teams of budding "citizen scientists" to explore and collect data on the biodiversity of Shaw Nature Reserve.  Leaders take teams of up to 15 participants out on 90 minute treks on Friday, Sept. 18 and/or Saturday, Sept. 19. Academy of Science will register public teams. Individuals who are considered experts in their field and have a strong affiliation with a university, science-based corporation, environmental or conservation entity qualify to be a BioBlitz Leader.  Leaders may choose to lead one team or up to three over the course of the weekend.
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"Everyone can be a citizen scientist," said Peggy Nacke, BioBlitz Director. "Students, individuals and families.  These participants are encouraged to find out more about the creatures and botany that share the world with us. It's a fascinating and fun way to participate in important field research."       
           
The BioBlitz is a free event, but all participants must register on-line at academyofsciencestl.org [5].  Registration opens September 4th.  If you are interested in leading a team, contact Peggy James Nacke peggyn@academyofsciencestl.<wbr />org. [6]  See website for partners and additional resources:  academyofsciencestl.org

The Shaw Nature Reserve is located on the south side of Interstate 44 at exit #253 in Gray Summit, MO.

For more information, visit www.shawnature.org [7] or call (636) 451-3512 [8]. Follow the Shaw Nature Reserve on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/<wbr />shawnaturereserve [9].

The Shaw Nature Reserve is a division of the Missouri Botanical Garden.

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