Did you know? Moths are great for our ecosystems. They are also just as beautiful and intriguing as their butterfly cousins. There are over 10 times more species of moths than butterflies in the world. Their role as pollinators is essential to the survival of many of our plants, especially orchids. Most importantly, moths and their caterpillars are food for birds, bats and countless other animals.
Most moths are nocturnal, but many species can be seen visiting flowers during the day. Those nocturnal moths are especially attracted to pale or white flowers with a strong fragrance.
Join us on Friday, July 26 at 9pm-12am for a presentation on these mystical creatures as well as a hike to follow. Chelsea Gottfried will begin the program with a presentation about Mysterious Moths and their importance. Following the indoor program, Chelsea and Jim will lead a short hike in the crepuscular hour, when day turns to night. Illuminated moth sheets will be hung and interesting subjects will start fluttering in after nightfall. This program will meet in the Firelight Room inside the Visitors Center, but we will make our way to the Red Barn Reserve to observe some moths. To reserve your spot, click here!
Our Speakers:
Chelsea Gottfried is a naturalist and educator from Crawford County, Ohio. In 2020, she founded Forest Friends, a nature-based preschool, where children learn and explore in nature. An avid native plant gardener and a passionate entomologist, Chelsea’s areas of expertise include moths, bees, dragonflies and damselflies. She enjoys capturing up-close images of insects and flowers using macrophotography. Her first book, Gardening for Moths: A Regional Guide, which she co-authored with Jim McCormac, was released in 2023 and features many of her photographs.
Jim McCormac worked for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources for 31 years as a botanist, and later specialized in wildlife diversity projects for the Division of Wildlife. He has authored or coauthored six books, including Birds of Ohio (Lone Pine 2004); and Wild Ohio: The Best of Our Natural Heritage (Kent State University Press 2009). His latest, coauthored with Chelsea Gottfried, is Gardening for Moths (Ohio University Press 2023).