Wildlife conservation goal of Enders BioBlitz

    Nebraska Game and Parks officials are encouraging residents of all ages to take in two days of outdoor Nebraska exploration with some of the state’s best biologists.
    There’s also a side benefit to this weekend’s BioBlitz at Enders Reservoir State Recreation Area.
    The information participants help collect during the weekend will used by wildlife biologists to conserve Nebraska’s wildlife.
    Professional biologists are traveling across Nebraska to find the species they study. The BioBlitz activities will look for wildlife like frogs, snakes, fish, aquatic invasive species, birds, bats and other small mammals.
    The BioBlitz, which is free, will focus on finding and identifying as many different types of plants and wildlife as possible in a specific area over a specific period, said Meghan Manary of North Platte, Southwest Regional Outdoor Educator.
    Manary said the BioBlitz is open to all ages.
    “It’s for all ages, but I really love to see kids attend. They can talk to the biologists and also learn about careers,” she said.
    She’s also seen 70-year-olds attend BioBlitzes in other locations.
    While the BioBlitz is fun and educational, it’s also important. Over the years, participants have identified many species rare to the parks where the BioBlitzes were conducted.
    At Enders, participants will meet at the Area A campground near the fish cleaning station and showers.
    Park permits are required, and can be purchased at the park Friday and Saturday, or online at OutdoorNebraska.org.
    Participants can attend all events or come and go. Camping at the park Friday and Saturday will be available.
    Manary said Enders hosted a BioBlitz six years ago. While some of the offerings may be similar, many of the sessions have been revamped with new offerings.
    Dogs are not permitted for the BioBlitz at Enders so wildlife is not disturbed, according to Manary.
    Here is the full two-day schedule. Times are MT.
Friday, May 20
    5-6:30 p.m.—Set reptile and amphibian traps with Dennis Ferraro
    6:30-8 p.m—Set small mammal traps with Mike Schrad
    8-9 p.m.—Set bat nets with Brett Andersen
    9 p.m.—Remaining evening: Show guests bats that were netted. Learn about bats and netting techniques.
Saturday, May 21
    7-8:30 a.m.—Release small mammals with Mike Schrad
    8:45-10 a.m.—Birding with Olivia DaRugna and Delanie Bruce
    10:15-11:30 a.m.—G&P Conservation officers and G&P Crime Stoppers trailer showing pelts, skulls and bones. Questions answered on wildlife law
    11:45-1 p.m.—Amphibians with Dennis Ferraro
    1-2 p.m. – Lunch
    2-3:30 p.m.—Reptiles with Dennis Ferraro
    3:45-5 p.m.—Fisheries and aquatic invasive species with Sean Farrier and Kris Stahr
    5:15-7 p.m.—Community pollinator garden planting and herbaceous plants with David Lott and John Springer