6th Annual Moth Night 2024

July 20th from 7:30 pm until 11:30 pm

Celebrate the “butterflies of the night” with an evening of observation and creativity.

On the first night of National Moth Week 2023, guests are invited to walk the Gardens’ trails under a gibbous moon and record nightlife observations. Registration Required - thank you!

The event is not a guided tour but will be hosted by our Curator, Meghan Ashley Peterman. After a Welcome Orientation, guests are free to come and go as they please—with the company of a Moth Night event map. One has the option to stroll the garden trails, join scheduled events, or follow Meghan as she explores! Our UV light stations typically see “the peak” of moth activity between 10 pm and 11 pm, but we understand if you leave early for bed! Interested in Nature Journaling your experience at night? Check out this fun and informative video - 'How to Nature Journal at Night' by Marley Peifer.

Observations from this event will be posted on our INaturalist Project Page - “2023, 5th Annual Moth Night”

Check out our Nightlife Observations from previous years.

What to Bring (gear not provided):

• Flashlight/headlamp - for walking dirt paths and navigating uneven surfaces at night.

• Camera, phone - participants can help us record observations by uploading photos to INaturalist.org. It’s as easy as posting on Social media!

• Warm layers - it can get pretty cold at night.

• Camping chairs are optional - we have benches in the Gardens, but not near the UV light stations.

• Blue light glasses are optional if you are bothered by blue light.

• Garden Map with Parking (An Event map is provided onsite)

Schedule of Events

One incredible feature of evening activity is that it often keeps a regular schedule. Below is the schedule from 2022. The timing of the plant & animal events listed will change each year. We will not have the exact timing until the event.

7:30 pm - Welcome Orientation (15 mins).

8:50 pm - Dance of the primrose - watch the flowers burst open—an invitation for nocturnal visitors.

9:15 pm - Descent of Lucille, the spotted orb weaver.

9: 30 - Wildlife readings under the oak tree.

10 - 11:30 pm - UV Station observation, explore the garden and discover nightlife.