Minnesota BioBlitz 2009
Free and open to the public
Friday and Saturday, June 12 and 13, 2009, 5 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Crosby Farm Regional Park, St. Paul
Part contest, part festival, part scientific survey, this annual event brings together citizens and scientists in a race against time with the goal of counting as many species of plants and animals possible in a 24-hour period. Armed with sonar detectors, bug lights, live traps and laptops, volunteers, under the leadership of professional researchers and biologists will explore a section of the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, a national park that runs through downtowns Minneapolis and St. Paul. This year’s base camp is at Crosby Farm Regional Park in St. Paul which will feature a floating laboratory—a real working steamboat provided by Padelford Riverboat Company—and legions of national park rangers available for guided tours throughout the event.  For a list of activities go to www.bellmuseum.org/bioblitz

Minnesota BioBlitz 2009 Special Event: Birding Cruise on the Padelford
June 13, 2009, 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Departing from the Padelford Dock, Harriet Island, St. Paul
$15, to register call the Padelford Riverboat Company at (651) 227-1100
Hop aboard the Jonathan Padelford as it makes it way up river to serve as the floating laboratory for this year’s BioBlitz. Along the way, help Bell Museum researchers and other bird enthusiasts survey the Mississippi River’s birds. Once you reach Crosby Farm Regional Park, this year’s BioBlitz ground zero, you’ll be treated to a light snack and a chance to visit with more BioBlitz researchers. A shuttle van will return you to your car at the end of your day. The cruise is sponsored by the Padelford Riverboat Company, National Park Service, and the Mississippi River Fund.

Nature Printing Workshop
July 19, 2009, noon to 3 p.m.
$25/$20 museum members; registration is required
Explore the world of nature printing in this fast-paced sampler of techniques. Spend the day working with leaves, feathers, and dabble in fish printing – also called gyotaku—with a variety of materials including inks, paints, cloth, and paper. Complete the workshop with a portfolio of prints to use in other art projects or to hang on your wall.