On August 28 and 29, 2009, Yellowstone National Park will bring together some of the top scientists in the area (including ichthyologists, ornithologists, mammologists, entomologists, herpetologists, and botanists) for the park's first bioblitz. Over a 24-hour period, participants will comb the park, observing and recording as many plant and animal species as possible, literally taking an inventory of Yellowstone's living organisms.

The idea of a biological inventory was first developed by Harvard biologist E.O. Wilson, who cataloged organisms around Walden Pond. Many states and other countries have conducted their own bioblitzes, including one in New York's Central Park, where over 800 different species were documented. Bioblitzes not only educate the public about biodiversity, they also provide basic data needed for resource protection.

Bioblitzes often result in surprising discoveries, such as rare species and species new to the park. At the same time they identify endemic and invasive species. A bioblitz is also valuable in that it builds public awareness and offers participants hands-on experience and interaction with career scientists. These events are a great way for young people to see first-hand how much fun the study of science can be.

The Yellowstone Park Bioblitz will be open to the public on August 29 from 12 to 3 p.m. in front of the Albright Visitor Center in Mammoth Hot Springs. Families, children, and others interested in learning more about the natural history of Yellowstone National Park can visit with scientists in the "Discovery Field Lab" to learn more about the animals and plants that were discovered during the 24-hour collection period. The Yellowstone Association, National Park Service, and other area organizations will host educational activities and programs on Yellowstone Park natural history throughout the day.

For more information about the event, please contact kayhan.ostovar@rocky.edu or jgolding@yellowstoneassociation.org.

The Institute's winter 2009-2010 course catalog is available online. If you ever wondered what it is like to view Yellowstone through the eyes of a predator, or just want to improve your photography skills, this could be your chance. New courses include Holiday Wildlife Watching, Secrets of Snow, Capturing Winter With Your Camera, and more. Click on the link to download the full catalog or call 406-848-2400 for a free copy. Winter field seminar registration begins July 6 for Yellowstone Association members, July 13 for non-members.

A spectacular new film on the geology of Yellowstone is now showing at the Canyon Visitor Education Center thanks to a generous donation from the Yellowstone Association. Yellowstone: Land to Life reveals how powerful geologic forces from fire to ice have combined to create a unique landscape which supports an abundant variety of life. This is the first film in Yellowstone to be fully accessible to visitors with hearing and visual disabilities. It can also be heard in the visitors' choice of English, Spanish, French, German, or Japanese. It is being shown every hour on the hour in the Canyon Visitor Education Center auditorium. A small screen version which can be viewed on computers and pocket-sized portable media players will soon be available online at www.nps.gov/yell. Become a member and support other important educational programs and projects in Yellowstone.

By Susan M. Neider. This book is a beautiful visual portrait of some of Yellowstone's most popular thermal features. The author pairs stunning overview and detail photographs with historical descriptions by early park explorers. Features are organized by region so it's easy to find your favorite geysers, hot springs, mud pots, and fumaroles. 2009. 127 pages. Softcover. 9" x 9" Price: $19.95 ($16.96 for members).

If you love the magic of Yellowstone, consider spending the winter season volunteering with the Yellowstone Association. We are looking for generous, hardworking, enthusiastic individuals and couples to support our mission to inspire, educate, and preserve. Our volunteers spend full seasons working in Yellowstone, play an integral role in our organization, and are a part of our Yellowstone family.

We've recently created a page on Facebook. By signing up as a fan, you can keep up with field sightings, post pictures from your course, and talk about your Yellowstone Association experience.