Insect Investigations

Grab a butterfly net and join Laura Beltran, Certified Interpretive Guide with Nature Investigations, for a hands-on exploration of the insect world. We'll search along for butterflies, beetles, grasshoppers, and other fascinating insects. Along the way, we'll learn how to safely catch, observe, and identify our discoveries while exploring the important roles insects play in nature.

Participants will learn about the diversity of insects found in our area, including how to recognize common groups such as butterflies, bees, beetles, grasshoppers, and true bugs. Through hands-on exploration with butterfly nets and observation tools, they will discover key insect characteristics, life cycles, and behaviors.

By the end of the program, participants will be able to identify at least 3–5 common insect groups, describe distinguishing features that make an insect an insect, and explain one or more roles insects play in ecosystems, such as pollination, decomposition, or serving as food for other animals. Participants will also gain confidence in observing and handling insects responsibly, asking ecological questions, and exploring the natural world with greater appreciation

Dates: Saturday, August 1

Times: 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Location: Castleton University Trails (D&H Rail Trail). Meet at the D&H trail crossing on South Street in Castleton. Visitor parking is behind the Stafford Academic Center in the Stafford lot (#39 on the campus map https://castleton.s3.amazonaws.com/files/resources/map-accessible-parkin.... Note that the map gets downloaded as a pdf, and has South at the top.)

Ages: Families with Children ages 7 and up

Cost: $10

To register, click here