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Event Date Time
Event Location
TLC's Brumley Forest Nature Preserve, Orange County
Registration URL
RSVP Here

Oxeye daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare), Common vetch (Vicia sativa), Tall milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) | The preserve includes both native and non-native species, and our BioBlitz will help us better understand the extent and diversity of them all | Photo by Sonke Johnsen

Discover hidden treasures at a nature preserve – in advance of its public opening!

  • What: a one-day bonanza of exploration to pinpoint, photograph, and document as many plants and animals as we can
  • Where: a private nature preserve; location will be sent to pre-registered participants
  • When: moved to rain date: Saturday, October 17

The Triangle Land Conservancy has a parcel of land near Durham, NC that is teeming with life. But we do not yet know the true extent of what’s there. We need your help to come out on October 17 and help us inventory the plant and animal species hidden in this special place. Together, we can paint a more complete picture of what this land can be.

Photo by Sonke JohnsenBioBlitz

On Saturday, October 17, we will host a one-day bonanza of exploration during which you and fellow nature-lovers will fan out into these woods under the guidance of scientists from NatureServe, the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program, and the Triangle Land Conservancy. We will pinpoint, photograph, and document the plants and animals that make this tranquil sanctuary their home. Fascinating discoveries (and plenty of fun) await. But even more importantly, your findings will build the foundation from which scientists can understand the true significance this place holds.

We Bring the Science, You Bring the Passion

NatureServe brings the science, and the Triangle Land Conservancy brings the conservation, but your passion and local roots are “musts” if the Bio Blitz is to be everything it can be.  Without the participation of people like you—people who cherish biodiversity and the sanctity of our natural communities—conservation would never see the science it needs in order to be effective.

RSVP Here

*Open only to Triangle Land Conservancy members*

Bioblitz Schedule (subject to change)

7amSunrise Bird Walk

Welcome Station
(Bring your own binoculars – we will also have a few extra pairs)
Rise and shine to hear owls and see other creatures with expert birders on a walking expedition to document and photograph the birds of Brumley Forest. Guides include Chris Hitt, winner of the 2010 “Big Year,” and Bo Howes, Vice-President of the New Hope Audubon Society.

  • John Connors, Wake Audubon
  • Chris Hitt, Triangle Land Conservancy
  • Bo Howes, Triangle Land Conservancy
  • Judy Teague, NatureServe
8amEarly Bird Welcome and Continental Breakfast

Welcome Station
Enjoy coffee and bagels as you learn about how the BioBlitz works.

  • Participants check in at the check-in station
  • Everyone gets a welcome packet that includes iNaturalist instructions
  • Need to assign someone to handle this shift, do an iNaturalist demo
9amBirds of Brumley

Welcome Station
(Bring your own binoculars – we will also have a few extra pairs)
Join expert birders on a walking expedition to document, listen to, and photograph the birds of Brumley Forest. Guides include Chris Hitt, winner of the 2010 “Big Year,” and Bo Howes, Vice-President of the New Hope Audubon Society.

  • John Connors, Wake Audubon
  • Chris Hitt, Triangle Land Conservancy
  • Bo Howes, Triangle Land Conservancy
  • Allen Hurlbert, UNC Biology Department
  • Judy Teague, NatureServe
10amWelcome & Orientation

The Pond
Learn how your findings today will help build the foundation for conserving this special place.

  • Sandy Sweitzer, Triangle Land Conservancy
  • Mary Klein, NatureServe
  • Misty Buchanan, North Carolina Natural Program
10:30amAmphibians and Reptiles

Herps Station
Frogs, salamanders, and lizards, oh my! Join Matt Rutledge, Associate Manager of Stewardship at the Triangle Land Conservancy, on a quest for all things herpetological.

  • Matt Rutledge, Triangle Land Conservancy
10:30amPlants and Ecological Communities of Brumley

Plants Station
Join us in “reading the landscape” and better understanding the natural communities of the Piedmont.

  • Mike Schafale, NC Natural Heritage Program
  • Milo Pyne, NatureServe
  • Harry LeGrand, NC Natural Heritage Program
10:30amNature Journals and Treasure HuntKids Station
Draw a map of Brumley and get started recording everything you see, starting with our Treasure Hunt list of things to find!
 
  • Susan Reda, Learning Outside
  • Cindy Pacchiana, BioBlitz Volunteer
11amWhat’s in The Water?

The Pond and Creek
(bring old sneakers or sandals or rubber boots!)
Look for aquatic insects and learn about fish, turtles, and other critters who call the pond and creek their home.

  • Bernhardt lab staff from Duke University
11amKids Hula Hoop Activity Get your hula hoop on for a fun kid’s activity!
 
  • Susan Reda, Learning Outside
  • Cindy Pacchiana, BioBlitz Volunteer
12pmLunch and Raffle prizes. Featuring The Plan for BrumleyThe Pond
Learn more about TLC’s plan for opening Brumley to the public with 12 miles of trails.
 
  • Sandy Sweitzer, Triangle Land Conservancy
1pmWildflowers WalkPlants Station
A walking tour to inventory the flowering flora of Brumley.
 
  • Carl Nordman, NatureServe
  • Milo Pyne, NatureServe
  • Misty Buchanan, North Carolina Natural Heritage Program
1pmA Bug's Life

Bugs Station
Come and learn all about the world of the little creatures right under our noses, including nocturnal insects that were captured the previous night.

  • Ellen Reeves, Triangle Land Conservancy
  • Rickie White, NatureServe
1:30pmLeaves Around UsKids Station
Explore the trees of Brumley with leaf rubbings and research.
 
  • Susan Reda, Learning Outside
  • Jonathan Sheline, BioBlitz Volunteer
2pmThe Plan for BrumleyThe Pond
Learn more about TLC’s plan for Brumley.
 
  • Sandy Sweitzer, Triangle Land Conservancy
2:30pmBirds of Brumley

Meet at Welcome Station
(Bring your own binoculars – we will also have a few extra pairs)
Join expert birders on a walking expedition to document, listen to, and photograph the birds of Brumley Forest. Guides include Chris Hitt, winner of the 2010 “Big Year,” and Bo Howes, Vice-President of the New Hope Audubon Society.

  • Chris Hitt, Triangle Land Conservancy
  • Bo Howes, Triangle Land Conservancy
  • Judy Teague, NatureServe
  • Allen Hurlbert, UNC Biology Department
2:30pmButterflies, Dragonflies, and Overlooked Pollinators

Pollinators Station
Join experts in learning about pollinator species in our area.

  • Harry LeGrand, North Carolina Natural Heritage Program
  • Ellen Reeves, Triangle Land Conservancy
  • Rickie White, NatureServe
2:30pmButterfly Migration Game

Kids Station
Play and learn about the challenges of
butterfly migrations with this fun and interactive game.

  • Karen MacAuley
3pmInvaders of North Carolina

Plants Station
A walking educational session on Brumley’s invasive species.

  • Carl Nordman, NatureServe
  • Milo Pyne, NatureServe
  • Mike Schafale, North Carolina Natural Heritage Program
3pmBeavers to Bobcats: Mammals of North Carolina ForestsMammals Station
Learn about the wildlife that call forests like Brumley their home.
3:30pmWhat’s in the Water?

The Pond and Creek
(bring old sneakers or sandals or rubber boots!)
Look for aquatic insects and learn about, fish, turtles, and other critters who call the pond and creek their home.

  • Bernhardt lab staff from Duke U.
  • Rickie White, NatureServe
3:30pmBug Station

See these little winged flying creatures that call Brumley their home, up close and personal.

  • Ellen Reeves, Triangle Land Conservancy
4pmClosing CeremonyCelebrations & Recognition, and final species tally!

RSVP Here

*Open only to Triangle Land Conservancy members*