BioBlitz, Minnesota’s ecological race, begins Friday

Scientists and families from across Minnesota will be working side-by-side for BioBlitz, a 24-hour race to record the plants and animals in the Mississippi River Valley, on June 12-13.

Volunteers will set up base camp at Crosby Park in St. Paul, with the Jonathan Padelford Riverboat arriving there on Saturday to serve as a “floating laboratory.”

Volunteers will use sonar detectors, bug lights, live traps and laptops to identify species.

The event is coordinated by the University of Minnesota’s Bell Museum of Natural History, which created the event as a means to raise public awareness of biological diversity, and provide data for natural resource managers in Minnesota.

The event is free and open to the public, with walks and demonstrations offered. A Saturday morning “bird cruise” will leave from Harriet Island and arrive at Crosby Farm on 8:30 a.m., and will cost $15.

Check Wednesday’s Daily for more details.