Hundreds of scientists and amateur naturalists are going on a 'treasure hunt' to catalog the diversity of organisms in New York City's Jamaica Bay and surrounding areas.The 24-hour BioBlitz begins Friday. It is sponsored by The National Park Service with Brooklyn College.
It's described as part contest, part educational event and part scientific endeavor.
Organizers say participants will learn about the richness and biological diversity "right next to the urban metropolis of New York City."
The nearby areas of Plumb Beach and Dead Horse Bay also will be explored.
The results will be announced Saturday.
During the first BioBlitz of Jamaica Bay in 2007, 650 different species of birds, bryophytes, fish, mammals, plants and terrestrial and aquatic invertebrates were identified.
