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BioBlitzBcn, a “treasure hunt” to discover Barcelona’s biodiversity

What are epiphytic lichens? Is it easy to find ferns in the city of Barcelona? How do the algae found in ponds and fountains look under a microscope? How are fungi identified? What are the most abundant arthropods in parks? Spreading knowledge of the biological diversity of the city and increasing public awareness of the need to preserve the natural environment are the goals of BioBlitzBcn, a day of naturalistic inquiry open to the public and promoted by the University of Barcelona and the city of Barcelona.

11 june 2010

BioBlitzBcn, which forms part of the celebrations of the International Year for Biodiversity, is the first ever intensive survey of the city’s biodiversity carried out by volunteers (scientists, students, fans, etc..) working together for 24 hours to investigate the Barcelona’s ecosystems. The initiative is open to any member of the public who wishes to explore the city’s biodiversity and contribute to enriching the ecological census of the urban environment.

On June 12 and 13, the Patio of the Sciences Building of the University of Barcelona’s historic campus will serve as BioBlitzBcn’s nerve center, a base camp for 24 hours without interruption, where everyone may observe and identify samples that volunteers have been able to collect in different parts of the city. On Saturday, June 12 at 13:30, in the Parc del Laberint de Horta, a team of volunteers will guide participants in a search for cryptogamic flora, ie, plants that reproduce by spores. In the Parc de la Ciutadella, coinciding with the Festival of Science 2010, participants may make an inventory of arthropods through a nocturnal tour to see, especially, butterflies on Saturday at 12 midnight. This will be followed by another tour during the day on Sunday at 12 noon.

To participate in the BioBlitzBcn, you should consult the full program of activities for working groups and contact the organization BioBlitzBcn through its website.

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