June 6 _ 7, 2008 - Bradford, Rhode Island - ESS Group, Inc. is pleased to have had staff members Norm Dudziak and Matt Ladewig participate in BioBlitz 2008 at Grills Preserve on the Pawcatuck River in Bradford, Rhode Island. BioBlitz is an annual, ecological event held by the Rhode Island Natural History Survey (RINHS), during which scientists and volunteer naturalists spend 24 hours taking inventory of all living organisms in a given area. Dudziak, a Professional Engineer, and Ladewig, a Certified Aquatic Macroinvertebrate Taxonomist, joined 115 scientists and team members to set a BiobBlitz record for total species observed (1,111) and several records for individual taxa, including 12 rare species.
The 482+ acre Grills Preserve features more than 2.5 miles of river bank, extensive freshwater wetlands, oxbow ponds and bogs, intermittent streams, upland forest, late successional habitat, and a high hill with exposed bedrock, which are all accessible by walking trails. Acquired in 2003, it is one of fourteen conservation properties owned and stewarded by the Westerly Land Trust.
Karen Given, Producer of the National Public Radio (NPR) sports show "Only A Game," joined the team of scientists in order to document the event. Given's segment on BioBlitz 2008 aired locally on Saturday, June 28 at 7am and 6pm on WRNI 1290 AM, WRNI 102.7 FM, WXNI 1230 AM, and WBUR 90.9 FM. The program is broadcast nationally on NPR stations.
For more information about this event, please visit:
The 482+ acre Grills Preserve features more than 2.5 miles of river bank, extensive freshwater wetlands, oxbow ponds and bogs, intermittent streams, upland forest, late successional habitat, and a high hill with exposed bedrock, which are all accessible by walking trails. Acquired in 2003, it is one of fourteen conservation properties owned and stewarded by the Westerly Land Trust.