[SEMCO] Volunteers Needed for 'Biodiversity Days'

[Sheri D. Derosa]

The Mass. Executive Office of Environmental Affairs (EOEA), in
partnership with a number of nature-oriented nonprofit and education
organizations, is sponsoring the nation's first citizen Biodiversity
Days, June 9 - 11, 2000, focusing in Southeastern Massachusetts.

Biodiversity Days is a challenge to citizens to familiarize themselves
with the wealth of animal and plant species with which we share our
communities and to identify in each participating town at least 200
species in backyards and the broader community. Participants will find,
record and learn about the component species of flora and fauna in their
home towns.

Each town that participates in this event will be asked to organize
various field trips, led by local naturalists.  If you're interested in
leading a group for a walk or a field trip, please visit
http://www.state.ma.us/envir/biodays.htm for contact information of the
event coordinator in your town.  For Falmouth, contact Patricia Gohring
at (781) 982-5479 or pgohring@col-col.com.

The Executive Office of Environmental Affairs encourages children and
adults of all ages to participate in this event. The results from
Biodiversity Days will be useful in the program's continued efforts to
build public awareness and support for Biodiversity conservation. The
hope is that Biodiversity Days will inspire citizens to get outdoors
regularly and help inventory, monitor and protect animals and plants.