Fireflies bring out the kid in us. Let’s celebrate that youthful magic together as we 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 right before dusk 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 after registration and payment have been completed.
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, 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.
- Family registration available.
NEW – Payment and Cancellation Policy: Payment is due online at the time of registration. Cancellations made seven or more days in advance of the event will receive a refund minus a 5% processing fee. Cancellations made within seven days of the event will not receive a refund. Events with fees of $10 or less are not refundable at any time unless canceled by NHSM. NHSM retains the right to update or change these requirements at any time.
Learn how you can protect fireflies here: https://xerces.org/