BEGIN:VCALENDAR PRODID;X-RICAL-TZSOURCE=TZINFO:-//com.denhaven2/NONSGML ri_cal gem//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN VERSION:2.0 BEGIN:VEVENT DESCRIPTION:Calling all bird watchers\, frog fanciers\, fish aficionados and nature lovers of all varieties! \; Here&rsquo\;s your chance to find the answer to that age-old question: \; &ldquo\;What&rsquo\;s going on out there?&rdquo\; \; From Friday evening\, June 8\, thro ugh Saturday evening\, June 9\, 2012 Union County offers nature lovers of all ages the opportunity to get up-close and personal with wildlife in their own &ldquo\;backyard&rdquo\; during Bio-Blitz 2012.\nBeginning at 5 p.m. on June 8\, the annual outdoor event will organize teams of volunteer plant and wildlife specialists (and young amateurs) to scour three sections of Union County&rsquo\;s Rahway River Parkway in Rahway\ , Clark\, Winfield Park and Cranford in search of wildlife over a 24-ho ur period.\n&ldquo\;Although the Rahway River Parkway is surrounded by s uburban development\, it is a perfect example of how green spaces can p rovide a haven for people and wildlife\,&rdquo\; said Freeholder Chairm an Alexander Mirabella. &ldquo\;The Bio-Blitz is a great opportunity fo r the community to learn more about the natural places that make Union County a special place to live.&rdquo\;\nThe primary purpose of Bio-Bli tz 2012 is to gain a &ldquo\;snapshot&rdquo\; of the biodiversity in th e 384-acre Rahway River Parkway. Another important goal of the event is to raise public awareness of the importance of parkland as wildlife ha bitat and outdoor classrooms.\nAn outdoor\, tented field lab and exhibit space in Rahway River Park\, off St. Georges Avenue in Rahway\, will s erve as a base of operations. Plant\, fungi\, insect\, fish\, bird\, ma mmal\, amphibian and reptile teams\, and water monitors (along with ama teur naturalists) will collect and identify species from three sections of parkland.\nFree nature-related programs for all ages will be offere d throughout the event\, including evening programs from 5 p.m. to 11 p .m. on Friday\, June 8\; and from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday\, June 9. \; Free shuttle buses will be available to get participants to an d from program sites. Programs will include: River &\; Lake Sampling \; Owl Prowl\; Wild Edible Plant Walk\; Fungi Foray\; Early Morning Bir ding\, and more.\nBio-Blitz Bingo will offer younger &ldquo\;scientist s&rdquo\; an opportunity to record their findings and enter a drawing t o win nature-related prizes. \; A Junior Scientist tent will have y oung naturalists interacting with hands-on activities related to the na tural environment. \; Union County&rsquo\;s Trailside Nature &\ ; Science Center staff also will be on-hand to offer guided walks and p rovide live animal exhibits. \;\nBio-Blitz 2012 is sponsored by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders\, the Union County Department of Parks and Community Renewal\, Kean University and the Rahway River Association\, with partial funding provided by PSE&\;G.\nFor more in formation or to receive a brochure\, call 908-789-3683 and leave your em ail address. \; Brochures also will be available at Trailside Natur e &\; Science Center at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside.&nbs p\; All are welcome. URL:http://scotchplains.patch.com/events/union-countys-8th-annual-bio-bli tz SUMMARY:Union County’s 8th Annual Bio-Blitz LOCATION:Rahway River Parkway\, Cranford\, NJ: Rahway River Parkway\, Cra nford\, NJ END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR