Michigan City BioBlitz a Success

Citizen Scientist, John Balaban and ECCo Ecologist, Becky Schillo survey plants at Michigan City Bioblitz.  Photo: Laurel Ross

July 16, 2011 - Field Museum scientists organized and participated in a day-long “BioBlitz” to survey six natural areas in the Trail Creek Watershed in Michigan City, Indiana. A “BioBlitz” is a rapid biological survey to document as many species as possible in a 24-hour period.  The goal of the Trail Creek BioBlitz was to help the municipality of Michigan City identify high-quality natural areas and significant natural features. The City will use this data to help design a green corridor along Trail Creek that will include public parks, restoration of nature preserves, and rehabilitation of the waterway.   

The BioBlitz could not have been a success without the significant contribution of the following Field Museum scientists and volunteers who lent their expertise on several survey teams including plants, reptiles and amphibians, fish, mollusks, insects, moss, and fungi: