Fireflies twinkle like stars during the summer here in the Maryland area. And with their summertime adult lifespan coming to an end, let’s see if we catch their show one last time. Meet us on Aug 2 at the Firefly Sanctuary in Greenbelt, MD, to learn about their special love language, why we should not mow lawns or rake leaves, and how outdoor lights mess up the whole purpose behind those flashes of light.
The City of Greenbelt is home to Maryland’s first Firefly Sanctuary, located at Stream Valley Park. This area provides firefly habitat and resources, restricts pesticide use, and provides relief from artificial lighting. We will meet at a nearby parking lot at 8 pm to discuss the firefly’s life and love interests, then take a short walk over to the Sanctuary to enjoy the lightning bug show. Stay for as long as you would like. Specific meeting instructions will be provided at registration.
Our firefly guide is Angela Saenz, an entomology Ph.D. student at the University of Maryland. Her research focuses on the biocontrol of the Emerald Ash Borer, an invasive forest pest that is attacking ash trees throughout the East Coast. She is passionate about plant-insect interactions, forest and agroecology, and biological control of pests.
- All ages are welcome.
- Bring a chair for comfort, water, snacks, and a flashlight for the walk back to your vehicle. Please limit the use of flashlights while the group is assembled. Extra light interferes with the firefly’s ability to flash and communicate.
- Bring a camera for use during dusk, but please, no flash use at any time.
- Wear clothes and shoes suitable for the outdoors in a wild area at night.
- No pets, please.
- Restroom facilities will not be available at the site.
- Heavy rain will cancel. Please watch for an email if rain is predicted. Refunds will be issued if NHSM cancels.
Due to the small fee charged for this program and the time it takes to organize and manage registrations, no refunds will be available unless NHSM cancels the event. However, your registration may be transferred to another individual. Please email Jayne to request a transfer.
Learn how you can protect fireflies here: https://xerces.org/
Location
Greenbelt, Stream Valley Park