This news item expired on Saturday, June 22, 2019 so the information below could be outdated or incorrect.
Buncombe County Recreation Services is hosting a free BioBlitz event on June 22 at Lake Julian Park (406 Overlook Road Extension in Arden) as part of the national Parks for Pollinators campaign, aimed at raising awareness of the importance of pollinators. It is also part of Asheville GreenWorks and Bee City USA’s month-long Pollination Celebration!
During the BioBlitz, community members create a snapshot of the variety of wildlife that can be found around the park. Using an app called iNaturalist, participants will take pictures of plants, insects, and animals to see what wildlife is present in the park during regular hours (8:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.) and provide more information about pollinators, which are essential to Buncombe County’s ecosystem. This information will help Recreation Services understand how to better protect pollinators and other important wildlife in community parks.
Pollinators are a vital component of all ecosystems and an essential link to the world’s food supply. According to the White House’s Pollinators Health Task Force, over the last 30 years, the United States has seen a steady decline of pollinators (such as honey bees, bats, and butterflies) at an alarming rate of 30 percent annually — making it vital to take action on pollinator protection.
“Protecting pollinator species has never been more critical. As key stewards of our public spaces, we have an amazing opportunity to lead on this issue,” said Josh O’Conner, Director of Buncombe County Recreation Services. “This June we are challenging our friends and neighbors to educate and engage in pollinator-focused citizen science including this BioBlitz. Thanks to their help, we can continue the creation of pollinator habitats in parks.”
To participate in the BioBlitz, download iNaturalist and head to Lake Julian Park on June 22. Help discover different species living in the park along with a community of local citizen scientists.
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