Biodiversity Day at Purchase Knob, Great Smoky Mountains National Park

http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/7/d/4/8/event_145892072.jpegWe'll meet in the morning at Purchase Knob, elevation approximately 5,000 feet. Take a leisurely, informal nature hike with Compleat Naturalist owners Hal and Laura Mahan, and Executive Director of Discover Life in America, Todd Witcher. We'll focus primarily on butterflies and other insects and arthropods in the open field next to the Learning Center. Next we'll go back to the Learning Center for an overview of Discover Life in America, and the All Taxa Biodiversity Inventory that is underway in the Smokies. This is the first project of its kind and is celebrating its 15th year in 2012. We'll enjoy lunch (bring your own) around the grounds of the Learning Center.

In the afternoon, Todd, Hal, and Laura will lead us in a "sorting session" where we will inspect and sort specimen samples from DLIA's Tree Teams project. This project is investigating the life associated with high elevation American Beech trees, which are currently in decline in the Park. No experience is necessary to help with the sorting activity; we will provide all the tools and information required. It's a great, fun learning experience that gives citizen scientists the opportunity to be involved in a real science project. Event is free, but participants are encouraged to make a tax deductible donation to DLIA, a nonprofit organization. For more information, visit http://www.compleatnaturalist.com .

PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED

FREE; Minimum age, 16. Directions and details on what to bring will be forwarded to registrants. To register, please email us at info@compleatnaturalist.com with names and phone numbers of all participants, or call us at 828-274-5430.