4th Annual 24-Hour Species Search To Be Held May 28 In New Germany State Park

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GRANTSVILLE — The Maryland Park Service is pleased to once again offer Marylanders a unique volunteer opportunity to learn about the diverse flora and fauna that live in our own backyards. The 4th Annual BioBlitz, a 24-hour species search, will be held from 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 28 to 3 p.m. on Sunday, May 29, in the 400-acre New Germany State Park in western Maryland.

During the BioBlitz, groups of surveyors try to locate and positively identify as many different species of plants, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fungi, fish and insects as they can in the allotted time. Last year’s search yielded a record 333 species found.

Participants will often find species they never knew existed in Maryland, lending a sense of importance to what lives around us. The species search will also serve to develop improvements for existing habitat or to protect special areas that are newly discovered. To volunteer to be a surveyor, call the park at (301) 895-5453.

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April 7, 2005

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is the state agency responsible for providing natural and living resource-related services to citizens and visitors. DNR manages more than 446,000 acres of public lands and 18,000 miles of waterways, along with Maryland's forests, fisheries and wildlife for maximum environmental, economic and quality of life benefits. A national leader in land conservation, DNR-managed parks and natural, historic and cultural resources attract 11 million visitors annually. DNR is the lead agency in Maryland's effort to restore the Chesapeake Bay, the state's number one environmental priority. Learn more at www.dnr.maryland.gov