A team of scientists, volunteers and community members will identify as many plants and animals as possible in a BioBlitz scheduled at Duff Park, Murrysville.

Dr. Kyle W. Selcer, associate professor of biological sciences and an organizer of the event, says the 24-hour survey will provide samples of the mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, trees, wildflowers, ferns, fungi, fish, mollusks, aquatic invertebrates and insects in the pristine area next to Turtle Creek.

Interested volunteers do not need special expertise and will be led by participating experts. Those interested in participating can e-mail Selcer at selcer@duq.edu or visit the park pavilion, which will serve as headquarters for the event sponsored in part by the Duquesne University Bayer School of Natural and Environmental Sciences and the Center for Environmental Research and Education.

When: 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 26, through 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27

Where: Duff Park, School Road South, Murrysville

Duquesne University
Founded in 1878, Duquesne is consistently ranked among the nation's top Catholic research universities for its award-winning faculty and tradition of academic excellence. The University is nationally ranked by U.S. News and World Report and the Princeton Review for its rich academic programs in 10 schools of study for 10,000-plus graduate and undergraduate students, and by the Washington Monthly for service and contributing to students’ social mobility. Duquesne is a member of the U.S. President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll with Distinction for its contributions to Pittsburgh and communities around the globe. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Princeton Review’s Guide to Green Colleges acknowledge Duquesne’s commitment to sustainability.

This release was posted on Monday, September 22nd, 2008 at 3:10 pm and is filed under Academics & Programs, Events.