From 2:00 p.m. Aug. 23 until 2:00 p.m. Aug. 24, some 130 scientists will descend on the Calumet region to survey the amazingly rich biodiversity of three natural areas: Wolf Lake, Eggers Woods and Powderhorn Lake. Their inventory will serve as a baseline for restoration and preservation efforts.

Open to the public, the intensive, rapid biological survey will bring together a host of people - from world-class scientists to curious kids - interested in restoring and preserving some of Chicago's best natural treasures. It will occur, rain or shine.

"The Field Museum has conducted rapid biological inventories around the world, and we are now excited to participate in one in our own backyard," says John McCarter, president and CEO of The Museum. "The natural areas in Calumet - as well as the vital communities surrounding them - must be recognized as valuable resources to preserve and strengthen."

The Biodiversity Blitz will launch Phase II of the Calumet Stewardship Initiative, a comprehensive education and outreach program aimed at fostering long-term participation by local residents in efforts rehabilitate and protect the region's natural resources.

The Calumet Initiative is led jointly by the City of Chicago and the State of Illinois, and implemented with more than 17 government agencies; 9 local resident organizations; museums, universities and environmental organizations; industrial groups; and foundations. One goal of the Initiative is to assemble 4,800 acres into the Calumet Open Space Reserve.

"The information we gather from BioBlitz will help us be better stewards of nature as we implement Mayor Daley's and Governor Ryan's vision for an ecologically and economically renewed Calumet," said Chicago's Environment Commissione
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Contact: Greg Borzo
gborzo@fieldmuseum.org
312-665-7106
Field Museum
16-Aug-2002