Escape the heat of the day and enjoy the outdoors at night for an evening of moth watching at BeeTree Preserve!
Join our team of moth-seeking volunteers and experts as we marvel at what moths, beetles, and other insects are lured to our viewing area by an irresistible mercury vapor light. We never know what we will find since the weather plays a huge role in the types and quantities of insects seen on any particular night. For moths to be active, the atmosphere needs to be warm and moist, but not rainy. Knowing that we will only be successful with the right weather conditions, we have chosen two Friday nights, July 24 and July 31 . Please note that only one night will be chosen to host this event, with the decision of which night based on the weather forecast earlier in the week. Participants will receive an email listing the night our program will occur. When registering for this program, please be sure to keep both dates open. Lep club members will have priority registration the event will open to NHSM members on July 6th and the general public on July 13th.
Once again, this activity is weather-dependent and will be canceled for severe storms or lightning.
Arrive around 8:30 pm, and please stay as long as you like. Many of the big moths don’t come out till past midnight.
Camping optional
There is an option to camp. If you wish to camp please let me know ASAP so that we can reserve a camping permit. There may be an additional fee per person to camp at Bee Tree, we will know the exact amount based on the number of campers. Learn more by visiting their website here: https://www.towsonpres.org/beetree/
Parking is limited. If your interested in carpooling please let me know. Another option is to shuttle in from a nearby location.
- Watch for additional details in a welcome email a few days before the date.
- Bring a flashlight or headlamp with fresh batteries or well-charged.
- Bring a lawn chair or blanket to sit on.
- Dress according to the weather. It may be hot and humid.
- Dark Clothing is recommended
- Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes to protect your feet while on a dark trail.
- Wear a hat to shield your eyes from the mercury vapor lights
- Bring water and snacks.
- Bring your camera and accessories..
- Bring loupes/hand lenses.
- Bring your guidebooks.
NEW – Payment and Cancellation Policy: Payment is due online at the time of registration. Events with fees of $10 or less are not refundable at any time unless canceled by NHSM. NHSM retains the right to update or change these requirements at any time.
For questions, please email Kayhla at kcornell@marylandnature.org.
If you love butterflies and moths, consider joining the NHSM Lep Club. Made up of novice and expert lepidopterists who meet to exchange knowledge and support concerning habitat, threats, food sources, identification, and life cycle of butterflies and moths, the Lep Club encourages the sharing of knowledge for the raising and breeding of moths and butterflies through hands-on lessons and guest speakers.
The NHSM Lepidoptera Club meets the fourth Wednesday of every month from March-October at 6908 Belair Rd or over Zoom. Club members are also involved in outreach in the greater Baltimore community through educational programs and service projects. If you have questions feel free to email the Community Coordinator at kcornell@marylandnature.org
Annual NHSM membership is $35 for individuals, $50 for families; Lep Club membership is an additional $5 for individuals and $10 for families. Although you don’t need to be a member to attend our meetings, your membership dues support our programs and give you access to exclusive field trips and other events.
To join, go here: https://www.marylandnature.org/get-involved/membership
Registration
Levels:- NHSM Lep CLub: $0
- NHSM Members: $5
- General Public: $10