DEP Comm. Gina McCarthy to Keynote Conference for Citizen Scientists

3/12/2009

BRIDGEPORT, Conn.—March 10, 2009—Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo, the state's only Zoo, invites the community to the 3rd Annual Connecticut Urban Ecology Conference, which will explore "C.S.I.: Citizen Science Investigators." The conference will feature a keynote address by Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Gina McCarthy, who will address the "Value of C.S.I. in Connecticut's conservation efforts." Bridgeport Mayor Bill Finch will give welcoming remarks. Presented in cooperation with the Bridgeport Community Land Trust, the conference will take place on Saturday, March 21, 2009 from 9:00 am - 3:30 pm at the Zoo, 1875 Noble Avenue, Bridgeport, Connecticut.

"Environmental field scientists and researchers bring their discoveries to light in countless ways but they can't do it alone. Citizen Scientists play an essential role in helping to make those discoveries possible," explained Gregg Dancho, Zoo Director. "These workshops will help to invigorate volunteerism and provide an opportunity to participate in the research that helps preserve and protect our beautiful planet."

The conference will feature workshops from a number of scientists who are restoring habitats, working as educators and community gardeners, and who are observing, measuring, and recording various species of plant or animal kingdoms. Presenters will explain their projects, invite questions, and extend an opportunity for conference goers to participate in their work. The event will close with a panel discussion on Citizen Science Investigators.

Presenters include:
Greg Watkins-Colwell, Stratford BioBlitz
Christine Cook, Ash Creek Sand Spit Sanctuary Recreation
Linda Tomas, Connecticut Amphibian Monitoring Project
Min Huang, Habitat Management for the American Woodcock
Twan Leenders, Connecticut State of the Birds
Bob Halstead, Bridgeport Community Gardens
Jennifer Mattei & Mark Beekey, Ecology and Conservation of Horseshoe Crab in Long Island Sound

Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Gina McCarthy said, "It is critical for people to care about our environment and to play a part in the effort to protect and preserve our natural resources. One way to become involved is to become a 'citizen scientist' whose volunteer work can significantly enhance scientific outcomes."

The registration fee is $30 for adults and $20 for youth, students, seniors, Zoo and Bridgeport Community Land Trust members. Lunch is included. Pre-registration is recommended. For registration form, go to http://www.beardsleyzoo.org. For additional conference information, contact Jeanne Yuckienuz at (203) 394-6576 or jyuckienuz@beardsleyzoo.org.


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About Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo:

Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo features 300 animals representing primarily North and South American species. Visitors won't want to miss our Amur (Siberian) tigers, Andean condor, ocelots, red & maned wolves, Andean (spectacled) bears, and golden lion tamarins. Other highlights include our South American rainforest with free-flight aviary, the prairie dog exhibit with "pop-up" viewing areas, the New England Farmyard with goats, cows, pigs, sheep and other barnyard critters, plus the hoofstock trail featuring bison, pronghorn, deer and more. Visitors can grab a bite at the Peacock Café, eat in the Picnic Grove, and enjoy a ride on our colorful carousel. For more information, visit http://www.beardsleyzoo.org