JACKSON – A hands-on event designed to promote an interest in the natural world will be held on Saturday, Sept. 13 at the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science in Jackson.

The Mississippi State University Extension Service is partnering with the museum and the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science Foundation to host the Mississippi BioBlitz, a 13-hour event that teams scientists, students, teachers and community members to track down and identify as many local species as possible.

The resulting inventory of living things in an area helps scientists determine if biodiversity in the area is increasing or decreasing. BioBlitz participants will find themselves scouring the local habitat on the museum grounds for amphibians, reptiles, birds, fish, fungi, mammals, insects and plants, both in and out of the water. The event is open to all ages and is family friendly. Attendees can participate for a short time or stay for the entire day.

The event is from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. and is open to the public. Extension forestry and wildlife experts, county agents, and museum staff will lead groups through different natural habitats and help participants identify and understand their discoveries. Museum staff also will offer tours of the collections. The event concludes at 7 p.m. Lunch is not included.

The event is free for museum members and children under 3 years old, $6 for adults, $4 for children ages 3-18, and $5 for seniors age 60 and up. Tickets may be purchased online at http://www.msnaturalscience.org. Registration is not required.

For more information, contact Jason Gordon at 662-325-8851.