The Missouri Department of Conservation invites nature lovers, photographers and amateur and professional biologists of all ages to the first Bio Blitz event at Runge Nature Center in Jefferson City, scheduled June 21-22.
This two-day event is designed to help visitors explore the plants, animals and other forms of life that call Runge home, according to an MDC news release. Participants will join expert-led, interactive excursions, including bat mist-netting, bird banding, moth black-lighting, small mammal trapping and other species surveys. The event will include activities for children and families, such as cane pole fishing, a firefly watch, pond exploration, pollinator discovery and a creek crawl.
Attendees are also invited to participate in a photography and observation competition with prizes, using the iNaturalist app. All attendees will be entered in a prize raffle and can earn prizes by participating. Hot dogs, chips and drinks will be available Saturday.
Hours for the Bio Blitz will be 5:30-11:30 p.m. Friday and 6 a.m.-5 p.m Saturday. This event is free, and no registration is required.
For more information about this event, including a full schedule, visit mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/167507 or call the nature center at 573-526-5544.