Moth Night, All-Abilities Friendly

If crack-of-dawn birding excursions aren’t your thing, maybe it’s time to give moth watching a try. Since moths come out when the sun goes down, moth watching, or mothing, is a great activity for night owls.

Join moth expert Tim Hoen and our team of volunteer experts as we marvel at what moths, beetles, and other insects are lured to our viewing area by an irresistible mercury vapor light. We never know what we will find since the weather plays a huge role in the types and quantities of insects seen on any particular night. For moths to be active, the atmosphere needs to be warm and moist, but not rainy. Knowing that we will only be successful with the right weather conditions, we have chosen two consecutive nights, July 11 and July 12. Please note that only one night will be chosen to host this event, with the decision of which night based on the weather forecast early in the week. Participants will receive an email listing the night our program will occur. When registering for this program, please be sure to keep both dates open. Refunds will not be available if you cannot attend.

Once again, this activity is weather-dependent and will be canceled for severe storms or lightning.

Arrive around 830 pm, and please stay as long as you like. Many of the big moths don’t come out till past midnight.

OUR LOCATION IS NEW FOR THIS YEAR. We will host our night at TALMAR, near Cromwell Valley Park. TALMAR is dedicated to enhancing health for people of all ages and abilities through horticulture. The site will be ADA accessible, and no trail hiking is needed to participate. Visit their website here: https://talmar.org/programs/

• Our meeting location can be found in your registration confirmation email when payment is complete.
• Watch for additional details in a welcome email a few days before the date.
• Bring a flashlight or headlamp with fresh batteries or well-charged.
• Bring a lawn chair or blanket to sit on.
• Dress according to the weather. It may be hot and humid.
• Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes to protect your feet while on a dark trail.
• Bring water and snacks.
• Bring your camera and accessories..
• Bring loupes/hand lenses.
• Bring your guidebooks.

NEW – Payment and Cancellation Policy: Payment is due online at the time of registration. 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.

For questions, please email Jayne at JAsh@marylandnature.org.