Published April 01, 2014
Students and faculty in the University of Louisiana at Monroe’s Biology Department
will host the second annual “Bioblitz” from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., on Saturday, April 5,
in Columbia. “Bioblitz” showcases the department’s unique 100 acre outdoor classroom—the
Dr. Charles Allen Nature Preserve.
The event is free and open to the public. Registration is required.
The ULM team will lead hikes through the rolling Ouachita Hills near Columbia, guided
by experts in a variety of taxonomic groups. The day will also include live animal
exhibits and resources to aid in the identification and appreciation of Louisiana’s
flora and fauna.
The property consists of diverse geological and ecological features rarely seen in
Louisiana, including rugged terrain, many plants rare to the state, and native petrified
wood.
Graduate and undergraduate students organized the first annual event in 2013 in an
effort to raise awareness about the university owned property as a place for education
and appreciation of nature.
According to Matthew Herron, a biology graduate student from Denham Springs, the 2013
cohort documented 16 reptiles and amphibians on the property, and identified a total
of 229 species. The department hopes to tally many more this year.
Water will be provided but guests are encouraged to bring extra fluids and to pack
a lunch. Guests are also asked to prepare for hilly terrain and heat by wearing appropriate
clothing and footwear.
For more information, contact herronm@warhawks.ulm.edu
To register, visit http://ulm.edu/~joydeep/canp.html
Specific directions and maps will be sent upon registration.
