In celebration of National Moth Week, Ouabache Land Conservancy is offering a night out on the prairie at Atherton Island Natural Area in southwestern Parke County on July 27th. This is for all nature enthusiasts that would like to learn about prairie, creatures of the night, “foxfire”, and skygazing. An optional easy walk around the prairie will start at 8:30 pm to discover what flowers are blooming for our native pollinators. After dark (about 9:30 pm) we’ll attract and identify many species of moths, beetles, ant lions, and other insects up-close on a large white sheet. Participants will see the many different moth patterns, colors, and behaviors, as well as learn about the essential role of moths as pollinators. Information about what native plants to plant for moths and other pollinators will be shared, as well as, information about how to contribute to community science by reporting moth/butterfly sightings through the Great American Indiana Nature Lepidoptera Project (GAINLP).

We also hope to capture images of flying squirrels, white-footed mice, and other creatures attracted to an LED red light and sunflower feeder set up in the nearby woods. In addition, we’ll be monitoring bat activity with the aid of a bat detector. Lastly, we’ll also see the fascinating fungi of Atherton Island known as “foxfire” that begin to glow after dark and have a telescope available to do some skygazing by the nearby campfire.

Moth Night Out is a free family-friendly event (no pre-registration required) and will be held at Atherton Island Natural Area, with parking available at 6540 W CR 800 S, Rosedale, IN (near Lyford, about 0.7 miles east of Hwy 41).  Please carpool as much as possible as parking is limited and overflow parking will likely be used. The optional prairie walk will start at 8:30 pm, with nocturnal activities from 9:30 pm to 11:00 pm. Water and a handicapped-accessible porta-potty will be provided. Please bring your own tick/mosquito repellent as needed.