It begins today, and under a cloudless sky at Paramount Ranch, rangers, scientists, and volunteers swarm, making final preparations for the BioBlitz. Over the last week, an advance team erected tables and tents, posted signs, hung banners, prepared stages, brought in two tons of water, and networked Base Camp so that each species found can be logged and counted as it's identified.
Now field ecologists unpack their microscopes and critter collections in the Inventory Tent. Flags--of the U.S., the state of California, the city of Los Angeles, the Department of the Interior, National Geographic, and the BioBlitz itself--flutter in the morning breeze on the main stage, where singer-songwriter Billy B warms up on an acoustic guitar, playing the anthem he composed for the event.
Students from Monroe High in North Hills have just rolled in, the first of more than 1,400 children and teens slated to join the 'Blitz with their teachers on school fieldtrips. Some 1,200 more intrepid adults and kids have pre-registered for more than 180 planned field expeditions, with room for hundreds more who show up eager to join a team. Thousands are expected to come check the scene at Base Camp, take in a short nature hike, and make the rounds of the 40+ exhibitors' tables. Hope to see you here!
Photograph by Ford Cochran/NGS
POSTED BY FORD COCHRAN/BIOBLITZ TEAM AT 10:47 AM PDT
