DABB Bytes: Giving thanks to the Driftless!
Happy Friday! This week we wanted to take the time to remind you of this amazing region in which we have been continuing to compile data for, the Driftless region, and reiterate to you why your help is impactful. As a reminder of how you are contributing to science by participating in the bioblitz, iNaturalist data is provided to the GBIF, the Global Biodiversity Information Facility. The GBIF is an international network and data infrastructure funded by the world’s governments and aimed at providing anyone, anywhere, open access to data about all types of life on earth. Below, are map images showing where the GBIF’s data came from. The first map shows where the network’s data originated from just this year, 2021, and the second map shows where the entirety of the data within the network originated. Please, read more about this incredible network also linked below!
https://www.gbif.org/
Now, it can be easy to forget and take advantage of everything the Driftless environment provides for us, so what better time than now to reflect on what this region means and provides to you. Our region’s distinctive terrain is a result of a lack of glacial drift and Driftless Wisconsin describes it as a region which provides us with steep hills, forested ridges, deeply carved river valleys, and karst geology with spring-fed waterfalls and cold-water trout streams.
https://driftlesswisconsin.com/explore/geography-and-rivers/
Every day within the Driftless, one has the opportunity to experience and explore a variety of different ecosystems such as rivers, bluffs, prairies, marshes, etc. One of the best resources guaranteed to enhance your appreciation of this beautiful region is the documentary, Decoding the Driftless. Here is a sneak peek at what the film entails: “It’s a wild ride of adventure through the air, rugged landscapes, on and under the water, through a secret underworld, and across time itself to explore and decipher ancient clues of archaeology, paleontology, geology, and biology of the Driftless Region, with its captivating scenic beauty.” Below is a link to the website where additional details on the film are discussed, there is a trailer posted, and you can get access to the film.
One final note, from here, I will be turning over our DABB Bytes blog to our DABB coordinator, Erica Black! Make sure you keep an eye out for our updates, as we are excited for our events to pick back up this upcoming spring! We are thankful for your continued support with this amazing project!