While taking a solid portion of my day to travel to Staten Island may not be the most preferable way to spend my Saturday, Bioblitz was nonetheless quite an enjoyable experience. Friends old and new gathered on this expedition and where there are friends, there is fun to be had. I was put on bug duty, which may or may not have been the best choice on part of the staff. To clarify, I had recently returned from Nicaragua, where a visible layer of OFF! spray is required to ensure thorough protection. Having to capture insects was possibly a cathartic and/or vindictive experience, however it was intended for science and I am glad to have contributed.

It was so interesting to me how the equipment was so simple, yet anything more advanced would likely be unnecessary. All that was needed was solely a light, a sheet, and a cup to attract and capture insects; anything more advanced would have diminished utility. The experiment really put the concept of biodiversity into perspective for myself as well as others I’m sure. You can’t really picture how many different species of insects (animals) populate a locale until you sit down and track them.

All in all, I have to admit Bioblitz was exciting, and I’d likely do something similar again. The entire day was interesting, informative, and enjoyable, not to mention the importance of ecological study. Understanding the composition of a local area allows us, as people, to not only improve it, but also protect it. To think that Freshkills Park was entirely a landfill only a few years ago is mind-boggling. New York City is taking responsibility to ensure that the land, as well as the people, are cared for and sustained, and that we do our part in retaining the beauty of the Earth

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