Bio-Blitz 2015 Explores Watchung Reservation

Ever wonder what’s roaming around the Watchung Reservation in Union County? The 11th annual Bio-Blitz will let the public explore the mysteries of this Union County park later this month.

The Bio-Blitz will take place from 5 p.m. Friday, June 12 to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 13, in the Watchung Reservation. The 24-hours nature survey tallies up hundreds of different plant and animal species each year.

“This year we are introducing some new activities to make Bio-Blitz more exciting – and informative – than ever before,” Freeholder Chairman Mohamed S. Jalloh said. “If you are curious about the many different plants, animals and insects that populate our parks, come to Bio-Blitz and get acquainted with some neighbors you may have never seen before.”

The annual Bio-Blitz is held in a different location each year.

While teams conduct surveys, visitors can watch them in action and take park in unique nature activities, including:

• Catch a demonstration of the exiting outdoor treasure-hunting game of geocaching, conducted by the Northern NJ Cachers organization.
• Join a meditative labyrinth walk and get a free introduction to the gentle art of yoga (and receive a free gift, too), from SKY Yoga of Fanwood.
• Enjoy a free instructional session on nature photography by professional nature photographer David DesRochers.
• Enter for a chance to win a guided tour of the Pine Barrens, conducted by noted ecologist Dr. Emile DeVito of the New Jersey Conservation Foundation (visit the Rahway Watershed Association exhibit for details).

“Watchung is by far our largest -- and wildest -- park, so this year’s Bio-Blitz promises to be both interesting and challenging for our volunteers,” Jalloh said in a previous release from the county.

For more information about Bio-Blitz and a complete schedule of activities visit ucnj.org/bio-blitz.

(Photo courtesy of the County of Union)