2011

The Katy Prairie Conservancy is a private non-profit organization dedicated to saving a sustainable portion of the Flat Out Wonderful Katy Prairie located just west of Houston. Katy Prairie Conservancy 3015 Richmond Ave., Suite 230 Houston, TX 77098-3114 713.523.6135 www.katyprairie.org
Photo Credits Greg Lavaty: Painting Buniting MIchael Morton: Bullfrog, River Otter

Katy Prairie

Bioblitz

Expert biologists and amateur naturalists will take to the field to observe and record as many living species of plants, birds, reptiles, amphibians, mammals, fish, and fungi as they can during a one day period. This exciting day of citizen science will add to our understanding of the rich biodiversity of the Katy Prairie and will also highlight the need to conserve a sustainable part of this irreplaceable habitat. Date/Time: Saturday, October 22 / 6:30 AM - 8:30 PM (see timing information on page two of this document) Location: All teams oriented at KPC Field Office (See location information on page two of this document) What to Bring: All participants should wear appropriate outdoor clothing, including closed-toe shoes and long pants. A long-sleeve shirt is also recommended. Participants should bring their own water and insect repellent. Registration/Cost: Registration required. Please contact Jaime Gonzalez at 713.523.6135 or e-mail jgonzalez@katyprairie.org. /Free.

2011 Katy Prairie Bioblitz

Where Everyone Counts!
Purpose
Our big goal for the 2011 Katy Prairie Bioblitz is to record as many species of living organisms as we can positively identify on October 22. To this end we would like to encourage those with broad natural history knowledge to also list species in taxonomic groups outside of their teams designated focus using a separate data sheet for each broad taxonomic group. For example, if you are on the plant team and see a bald eagle, please record this species on a separate data sheet; this may turn out to be the only bald eagle seen on that day! Each group will be provided data sheets for all of the different taxonomic groups being catalogued for the Bioblitz. This data will add to our understanding of our preserve system and will help us to take a fuller accounting of the species which depend on our properties for their survival.

Where should we meet?

All BioBlitz teams (excluding the early morning bird group) will meet at the KPC Field Ofce for a brief orientation. The Early Morning Bird Team will meet at the Warren Ranch - Rock Hollow Creek Entrance. Participants should plan to arrive 15 - 30 minutes before the start of their counting window in order to meet other team members and to pick up equipment, data sheets, water, snacks, etc.

Which teams can I join?

This year KPC will eld have ve teams: the Early Morning Bird team, the Invertebrate Team, the Reptile and Amphibian (Herp) Team, the Plant Team, and the Evening Bird Team. Each team will have a leader (TBA) and will count during a pre-selected counting window. Participants can join as many counting teams as they wish throughout the day. Tentative counting windows are listed below but are subject to change. Teams/Counting Window

Mammal Team/ TBA Early Morning Bird Team/ 06:30 AM - 10:00 AM Plant Team/ 09:00 AM - 1:00 PM Herp Team/ 09:00 AM - 1:00 PM Invertebrate Team/ 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM Evening Bird Team/ 05:30 PM - 8:30 PM

How should I dress?

All participants should wear appropriate outdoor clothing, including closed-toe shoes, and long pants. A long-sleeve shirt and a wide-brimmed hat are also highly recommended. We highly encourage all BioBlitz participants to perform a thorough tick check when they return home from the event.

Do I need to bring any special equipment?

KPC will provide all participants with water, insect repellent, and data sheets. We encourage participants to bring along any eld guides, nets, snake hooks, etc. which will help them to locate and/ or identify any species in their taxonomic group that they might encounter.

Will food be provided?

Yes. KPC will furnish guests with a light breakfast (Early Morning Bird Team) or with a lunch (all other teams). Any dietary restrictions should be e-mailed to Jaime Gonzalez.

Day of event contact information

KPC will have three staff members on hand to answer questions and to provide last minute directions. Please call one of the three telephone numbers below if you need directions or information. Jaime Gonzalez, Community Education Manager, 281.660.6683

Katy Prairie Conservancy 3015 Richmond Ave., Suite 230 Houston, TX 77098-3114 713.523.6135 www.katyprairie.org