TUPELO, MS: The Natchez Trace Parkway will host a BioBlitz and Wildlife Festival at the Parkway Visitor Center on Saturday, April 16, 2016 from 9:00 am-4:00 pm. The National Park Service (NPS) turns 100 on August 25, 2016, and National Park Week occurs April 16 to 24, making the BioBlitz and Wildlife Festival a great opportunity to kick off NPS Centennial celebrations. In addition, National Park Week is about making great connections, exploring amazing places, discovering open spaces, enjoying affordable vacations, and enhancing America’s best idea–the national parks!
During a BioBlitz, small groups of participants go on discovery walks with field biologists to help find and record the animals or plants that they encounter. All species will be identified and the data recorded using the iNaturalist app.
The Wildlife Festival will happen simultaneously at the Parkway Visitor Center on April 16. Visitors can learn more about Mississippi’s biodiversity by visiting activity and exhibit booths including live fish, hunter education, wild mammals of Mississippi, wildlife rehabilitator, endangered bats, Mississippi Black Bears, pollinators, build a birdhouse, animal olympics, and more.
Award winning educator, Terry Vandeventer, will present live native snake programs at 10:15 and 12:15. Mr. Vandeventer presents fun, entertaining, and educational programs that feature snake species found in Mississippi such as the garter, corn, coachwhip, and the rare and beautiful indigo. These programs are appropriate for all ages.
This event is free to the public presented by the Natchez Trace Parkway, the Mississippi State University Extension Service, and the Mississippi Geographic Alliance. The Parkway Visitor Center is located at milepost 266 on the Natchez Trace Parkway, near Tupelo, Mississippi. For additional information, please call (662) 680-4027or (800) 305-7417.
