By Scott Brinton
A BioBlitz is a 24-hour treasure hunt led by biologists and environmentalists aimed at cataloging the flora and fauna found within a designated swath of nature.
Dr. Ray Ann Havasy, of the Center for Science Teaching and Learning, is leading the BioBlitz's organizing committee, which includes Dr. Russell Burke of Hofstra University, Betsy Gulotta of Nassau Community College, Nassau County hydrogeologist Brian Schneider and Merrick community activist Bob Young.
Havasy said that Hofstra has agreed to lend offices and computer labs to the BioBlitz effort, where collected data will be collated. The event is set for Sept. 19 and 20, with an orientation for volunteers on the 19th.
Havasy said that, ideally, the county would have 800 to 1,000 volunteers working on the BioBlitz. Volunteers will document species in specified sectors. She said the Roosevelt Preserve would be a study site, and from there, the number of additional sites would depend on how many volunteers sign up.
Denenberg said he would like the BioBlitz to include the areas from the Roosevelt Preserve south to the bays in Merrick and Freeport.
Havasy said she expects the BioBlitz, which could encompass more than 150 acres, to cost between $7,000 and $9,000, for supplies such as binoculars, collection nets, traps and first aid kits. She plans to hold fundraisers.
Denenberg and Gonsalves explained that the purpose of the BioBlitz is twofold: first, to show the rich biodiversity of the woodlands and, in doing so, to encourage the New York State Department of Parks to protect the forests; and second, to alert the public to the environmental damage that vandals and ATV riders have caused in these areas.
A number of environmental and civic groups have signed up to help, including, most recently, the Long Island Greenbelt Trail Conference. Havasy said she would have two interns -- a biology major from Columbia University and one from SUNY Old Westbury -- working on the project.
A Web site is now in the works and should be live in a week. For more information or to volunteer for the effort, call the Center for Science at (516) 764-0045, or go to www.cstl.org.
Comments about this story? SBrinton@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 203.
