Audubon Presents Bianca Perla and the 2014 BioBlitz

Variety: the spice of life! Vashon Nature Center Director Bianca Perla will discuss the importance of biodiversity through presenting major findings of the 2014 Vashon Nature Center Bioblitz, a 24-hour species marathon where scientists, naturalists, and local community members come together to discover as many species as they can in an island preserve in one full day and night. There have been 3 Bioblitzes on Vashon so far. Come hear the stories of the myriad life forms that share this island with us, learn some adventurous tales about the people who care to discover them, and uncover lessons about the underlying forces that maintain and perpetuate biological diversity. Through this program you will get a feeling for our complex living systems as you armchair travel from the depths of the Puget Sound to the heights of the lichen covered trees.

Bianca Perla, founder and director, was raised on Vashon, and at age 7 her parents gave her what they called her equestrian driver’s license—free rein to explore the island on her pony! These early escapades nurtured a deep respect for animals. Bianca has a BS from Stanford University, an MS in Animal Behavior from Northern Arizona University, and a doctorate in Ecology from University of Washington. For the past 15 years Bianca has worked as a conservation biologist and science educator in many remote places in the west. She recently authored Family Walks on Vashon and Prairie Dogs: Communication and Community in an Animal Society.

Audubon Presents Bianca Perla and the 2014 BioBlitz, Thursday October 9th, 7 PM.  Event is Free and Open to the Public. Land Trust Building.