National Geographic and National Park Service: 10 Years of BioBlitz One annual BioBlitz in an urban NPS unit, leading up to 2016 centennial 2007: Rock Creek Park 2008: Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area 2009: Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore 2010: Biscayne National Park

Why Saguaro National Park? Biogeographically unique & diverse desert Southwestern city with a lot of scientists Close ties with surrounding communities Successful and active environmental education programs Enthusiastic staff

Major Goals of our BioBlitz Find, identify, and learn about as many species as possible Highlight unique biodiversity protected by NPS system-wide Introduce public & scientists to their local NPS lands & waters Let the public do science in the field with experts Inspire the next generation of organismal biologists and stewards Guide people in reconnecting to nature Build capacity & interest

Nature Deficit Disorder and Our Future Stewards

Major Components of BioBlitz K-12 School Group Activities Scientists & Inventories Social Media Celebrate BioDiversity Festival Public Presentations Exhibit Booths & Biodiversity University Base Camp and Satellites BioBlitz

One Park = Two Districts = different resources 91,445 acres and 70,905 acres designated wilderness TMD – two biotic communities desert scrub desert grassland RMD – six biotic communities desert scrub desert grassland oak woodland pine-oak woodland pine forest mixed conifer forest 2, ,687 ft elevation range Over 13,000 acres designated wilderness 2, ,666 ft elevation range Nearly 58,000 acres designated wilderness

(Showing both districts of Saguaro National Park)

Tucson Mountain District, Saguaro National Park Potential locations for BioBlitz activities Base Camp

Rincon Mountain District, Saguaro National Park showing potential locations for BioBlitz activities

SAGU BioBlitz Base Camp Plan

Base Camp

Lots of activities at basecamp Scientist tent open to public Ranger-led hikes Live animal demonstrations Music & entertainment Etc.

Celebrate Biodiversity Festival

Exhibitors

Biodiversity University Students and the general public will be invited to participate in the festival through the BioDiversity University.

Social Media Blogs Facebook Twitter YouTube Live chats Re-posting

Scientists Leading Inventory TeamsKeying Out Species Informal EducationSubmission and QA of Data

Scientist led Field Inventory Teams

K-12 School Group Activities

K-12 Education Resources

National Geographic FieldScope

Who we still need… Communications and Technology specialists to help plan solutions to IT deficiencies Incredible organizers, who can site manage and want to work with the Park staff prior to the event YOU! We want you to participate!

Roles for Collaborators Promote – web, listserve, newsletters, calendars Contribute experts to lead inventories and work with school groups Recruit event helpers Host pre BioBlitz events Use our online educational materials Exhibit at a booth Provide public speakers and demonstrations

How Collaborators Benefit Reach new audiences, in person and via the press Advance your mission Promote and strengthen your ties to the park Strengthen your national organizations’ ties to NPS and NGS Generate ideas for doing your own BioBlitz

Thank you. We look forward to working together! (202)

Park contacts… Science – (scientists) Education – Public Programs – Or