PETERSBURG, Va - Bioblitz is coming to Petersburg National Battlefield on May 13. This free family event will occur at the Eastern Front Unit of Petersburg National Battlefield from 9:00 am – 2:00 pm. Bioblitzes are day long citizen-science events that bring students, community members and scientists together to explore and document the plant and animal species that live in our parks. Visitors can actively participate in nature walks and talks, and hands-on crafts and activities while they learn from representatives from local ecology and conservation groups.
Organizations involved in the event include the National Parks and Conservation Association, Virginia Commonwealth University, Virginia Master Naturalists, Cockade City Camera Club, and Thunder Eagle Wildlife Rehabilitators as well as many others.
Bioblitz Photo Contest
In promotion for the bioblitz event, Petersburg National Battlefield is inviting interested professional and amateur photographers to submit photographs that highlight the park’s natural landscape. Photos must be taken from within the boundaries of the park and submissions will be accepted from April 1, 2017 to May 1, 2017. Submissions will be showcased at the Tramonto Ristorante in Old Towne Petersburg in May. Details of the photo contest as well as a downloadable release form and flyer are available on the park’s website at www.nps.gov/pete/planyourvisit/outdooractivities.htm .
History of Bioblitzes
The first bioblitz occurred in Washington, D.C. in 1996 when participants, working with scientists, were able to identify over 1,000 plant and animal species. Following the success of the first event, bioblitzes quickly became a national and international event with countries like Australia and Canada joining in. The purpose of the program is to provide people with an exciting and fun way to learn about biodiversity, and to learn from experts how to better understand and protect our natural resources. For more information about bioblitz, please call the park’s Resource Management Office at (804) 732-3571 ext. 303.
If You Go
The Eastern Front Unit of Petersburg National Battlefield is the location where Union troops made their first major attacks on the City of Petersburg in mid-June, 1864. Today, visitors can learn more about the history of the site by touring the museum, viewing the 18 minute video, or travelling the Unit’s four mile, 7 stop tour road. There are also ten miles of nature trails suitable for hiking, bicycling and horseback riding. The Eastern Front Unit of Petersburg National Battlefield is located at 5001 Siege Road in Petersburg. For more information, please call 804-732-3531.
Petersburg National Battlefield was created in order to commemorate the campaign and siege and defense of Petersburg, Virginia, in 1864 and 1865. The park staff is committed to preserving and protecting the historical, cultural, and natural resources within the park in a manner that will provide interpretation, education, and enjoyment for the visitors. For more information about events at Petersburg National Battlefield, you can become a fan on our Facebook page or follow us on Twitter @PetersburgNPS.