Pearl Island Bioblitz at Headgates Park
Scientists and nature enthusiasts will gather at Headgates Park on Decatur Lake north of Brodhead on Saturday June 16 to inventory the life in the natural communities on Pearl Island and in the Sugar River. This activity, known as a “Bioblitz”, will attempt to identify and list as many organisms as possible within a 14-hour period from early morning when the birds start singing through later in the evening when bats emerge. Other groups of organisms will include plants, insects, freshwater mussels, fish, and macroinvertebrates. If conditions are right, we will also scan the night skies for constellations and planets.
Nature lovers of all ages are encouraged to participate in this educational outdoor experience. Those who do are encouraged to dress for deep woods and wet places, and bring re-fillable water bottle, snacks, bug protection, binoculars, and identification guides. Registration is free and check-in will occur throughout the day in the shelter at Headgates Park. A schedule will be posted there, so that participants can choose to join the experts conducting the various inventory activities planned throughout the day: Birds 7-9:30am, Plants/Insects 10-noon, Fish/Macros/Mussels 2-4, Bats, Night-flying Insects, and Stars after dark.
Co-sponsors joining the Lower Sugar River Watershed Association for this event include Decatur Lake Mill Race Association, Green-Rock Audubon Society, Wisconsin Farmers Union South Central Chapter, and the City of Brodhead Pearl Island Committee. A detailed schedule will be posted on the LSRWA web site: http://www.lsrwa.org. For more information, please contact Susan Lehnhardt 608.897.8641 x1020 or 608.558.5941(cell), susan@appliedeco.com. The Lower Sugar River Watershed Associations (LSRWA) is a not-for-profit conservation organization located in Brodhead WI, dedicated to the care and enjoyment of our water resources and to empowering citizens with experience and knowledge to steward land and water resources in the Lower Sugar River Watershed.