Join Plymouth County Extension Entomologist Educator Blake Dinius for a summer night walk to learn about and observe fireflies. Fireflies have long inspired wonder and evoked mystery: floating spectacles of light blinking, fading, and drifting through the summer night sky.
But, their elaborate light displays are not intended for our eyes. Instead, they depict a daring dance between species. Each firefly species possesses its own distinct type of “language” used to communicate with members of its own species. Males communicate with females. Females communicate with males. And, in the case of Photuris fireflies, a femme fatale plays out. Female Photuris fireflies are cannibalistic. They can mimic the displays of other species to lure unsuspecting males into their hungry clutches.
Join us as we try to decipher this ancient insect language and explore the world of fireflies! We will stay out of the woods, hiking 1.5 miles over grass paths, which makes for easy strolling. Wear warm clothing and waterproof hiking shoes, as there can be wet areas. A headlamp and/or good flashlight are required. We will hike in mist or light rain! In the event of severe weather, the rain date is Friday, July 10, from 9 PM to 10 PM. Registration is required for this free event.
Registration closes on Thursday, June 25 at 3 pm. Want to sign up after registration closes? Please email: events@wildlandstrust.org
Parking:
Meet at the main parking lot of Great River Preserve, off Auburn Street, Bridgewater, MA, 02324.
The main parking lot lies on the right/southwest side of Auburn Street. Limited roadside parking is allowed for 0.5 miles on the same side of the road. There is NO roadside parking permitted beyond this point toward the end of the road.
From the West: Take Route 28 heading southeast on Main Street towards Central Square, Bridgewater, take slight right onto Route 104E (Central Square) and continue on 104E for 1.7 miles before turning right onto Walnut Street and then left onto Auburn Street.
From the East: From Intersection of Routes 58 & 106 (Halifax) follow Route 106W turning left onto Route 105 South/Thompson Street. After 1.9 miles, turn right onto Summit Street, slight right onto Walnut Street, and 1st left onto Cherry Street. Continue on, taking left onto Short Street then left onto Auburn Street.
What to Wear & Bring (Required):
Headlamp and/or flashlight (must have!)
Sturdy, waterproof, closed-toed shoes
Snacks
Water
Bug spray
Warm, weather-appropriate clothing
What to Expect:
Hiking 1.5 miles over mostly flat mowed grass paths with some wet areas
An entomologist educator to enlighten you with all your firefly questions
Wildlands Trust staff and volunteers to guide you!
Restrictions:
Ages 10 +
No pets
Maximum 15 hikers
Minimum 5 hikers
Outdoor programs are weather permitting. Cancellations and postponements due to weather will be announced online and registered attendees will be notified via email. We will hike in mist or light rain! In the event of severe weather, the rain date is Friday, July 10, from 9 PM to 10 PM.
Questions? Please email: events@wildlandstrust.org