Biology Professor Organizes BioBlitz in Murrysville

What animals and plants are living in Murrysville’s Duff Park? The answers will be provided during BioBlitz 2014, organized by Dr. Kyle Selcer, associate professor of biological sciences, and sponsored by the Bayer School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, the Department of Biological Sciences and the Center for Environmental Research and Education, with the Friends of the Murrysville Parks and the Murrysville Trail Alliance.

Expert faculty, naturalists and scientists, as well as staff, students and the general public, are invited to work together to inventory all living organisms observed in the park from 2 p.m. Friday, Sept. 26, through 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27. The effort is designed to inform the public about the importance of biodiversity, said Selcer, who organized the first Duff Park BioBlitz in 2008, with outstanding results.

“The 2008 survey revealed an abundance of native species in this park that is greater than other city parks,” Selcer said. “We hope to maintain the biodiversity of this unique park over time. We also hope to remove alien species from the area that may do harm to native species.”

Realizing the tremendous number and forms in their own back yards helps people to value their natural areas more highly—not just Duff Park but across the region. “When people realize how many species occupy their local area, they tend to be more responsible in maintaining the local habitat,” Selcer said. “In Western Pennsylvania, we are blessed with a number of areas that are relatively undisturbed and have high biodiversity for the type of habitat. It is essential that we preserve these lands and the corresponding species diversity associated with them.”

In addition to surveying trees and other plants, observation methods will include:

  • Humane trapping of small mammals
  • Aquatic sampling of macroinvertebrates
  • Light trapping and sweep netting of insects
  • Sifting of leaf litter for mollusks
  • Electrofishing
  • Binocular observations of birds and mammals
  • Listening for calls
  • Remote video recording of wildlife.

A number of tours and events are planned for nature lovers of all ages.

The park pavilion near the School Road South parking area will serve as the base station for park exploration and experts’ identification of organisms. A number of regional scientists and naturalists will be participating.

For more information, contact Selcer at 412.396.5967.