Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge

On Site Contact:  Deloras Freeman (deloras_freeman@fws.gov)

The Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge Bioblitz will occur on April 23, 2016 from 9:00am to 2pm.  The Bioblitz activity check-in will be at the Washington Ditch parking area, adjacent to the Washington Ditch Boardwalk trail.  The event is free and open to the general public.

The activity will consist of participants identifying, counting, and recording all birds seen throughout the activity period along the one-mile loop consisting of the boardwalk and returning ditch trail. Activity volunteers will be stationed at the check-in site to assist with bird identification and data recording.  Field guides and equipment loaded with electronic Bird ID apps will be available.

Special note: This Bioblitz activity is but one activity in the Great Dismal Swamp Birding Festival.  The Festival runs from April 21-23, 2016. Other activities in the festival include guided bird walks, refuge tours, photography workshops,  an Owl prowl, and more!  All festival activities are free but some require reservations due to seating limitations.   For a full schedule and registration details, see www.fws.gov/refuge/Great_Dismal_Swamp

More information can be found by visiting the Virginia Geographic Alliance’s registration site (http://tinyurl.com/VGABioBlitz2016) or contacting the refuge representatives.