Young biologist get a close-up view of pond organisms at Rogers Center. Join Friends of Rogers for the inaugural “Bio Blitz” on August 26. Photo courtesy Friends of Rogers.
Young biologist get a close-up view of pond organisms at Rogers Center. Join Friends of Rogers
for the inaugural “Bio Blitz” on August 26. Photo courtesy Friends of Rogers.

Join Friends of Rogers and biologist Eric Diefenbacher for the inaugural ‘Bio Blitz’ on August 26 from 9 am until 3 pm. This “citizen science” project will help collect data on organisms found at the main Visitor Center property of Rogers Environmental Education Center.

Volunteers will receive instruction on proper search techniques for specific taxonomic groups throughout the day. Collection groups to be focused on include: amphibians, aquatic macroinvertebrates, birds, mammals, reptiles, terrestrial invertebrates, and trees.

“Knowing what species exist on the property, along with approximate location, greatly enhances focused delivery of environmentally themed activities and lessons that are unique to this area of New York State,” said Simon Solomon, executive director. “In addition, this effort will greatly aid in our scientific understanding of the diversity that exists at Rogers Center, and help provide annual data that can be used in future management decisions, potentially serving as a reference site for comparative studies across the region.”

A native of central New York, Diefenbacher studied biology as an undergraduate at Hartwick College and holds a Master of Science from Marshall University. Formerly an Assistant Professor of Biology at Alderson Broaddus University and now serving in that same role with Morrisville State College, Diefenbacher also sits on the Board of Directors for Friends of Rogers.

“We are very excited that Eric is facilitating this new program,” said Sarah Freedman, environmental educator. “He will provide unique insight and guidance for budding naturalists in our efforts to open doors for continued biological research at Rogers Center.”

While there is no charge, contributions are encouraged to support future programs. Pre-registration is requested by noon on August 23; call (607) 674-4733 or e-mail env.educator@FriendsofRogers.org.

Rogers Center is operated by Friends of Rogers Environmental Education Center, Inc., a nonprofit organization that offers educational programs for people of all ages. Summer hours are from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday.

By martha

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