Blue dasher. Photo: Linda Graetz
Can you tell a beetle from a true bug? A katydid from a grasshopper, or a hover fly from a bee? Do you know the difference between a butterfly and a moth, or a damselfly and a dragonfly?
If you'd like to learn more about these fascinating animals who are essential to life on earth, please join the Chocorua Lake Conservancy and the Cook Library for “Insects for Beginners!” on Tuesday, July 20, at 7PM, live via Zoom. Led by educator and insect enthusiast, Linda Graetz, this informative 90-minute Zoom class will focus on seven common insect Orders: we’ll discuss their life cycles, the roles they play in the environment, and the unique behaviors and physical characteristics of the animals in these groups. This program is free; please register in advance via the button below.
If you’ve joined our Zoom program, “Insects for Beginners!”, you're well prepared to head out to find them—patience, close observation and describing what you see are the most important skills you’ll need. On Saturday, July 24, from 10AM-12PM, at the CLC’s C.C. Browne Woods on Washington Hill Road, in Chocorua, we’ll look for insects in fields and woods, on plants and trees, under rocks, or just flying by. We’ll explore and learn together as we describe, observe, and share our finds with each other. Wear sunscreen, long pants and close-toed shoes. Please bring your own water, tick/mosquito repellant, a pen, and a magnifying glass if you have one. Please be sure to sign up for and attend the Tuesday evening program if you would like to come on the field trip. The outdoor program is limited to 20 participants; please register in advance via the form below. Children 8 and up are welcome and must be accompanied by an adult. If you have not yet been vaccinated, or are less than two weeks from your last shot, please bring a mask for moments when social distancing is not possible.
Linda Graetz is an educator and photographer who spent a very rewarding thirty years in museum and art education. An avid birder since the late 1970s, upon retirement she turned most of her attention to nature. She trained as a teacher/naturalist at Mass Audubon’s Drumlin Farm and taught there for more than 10 years. It was through her work there that her interest in insects was ignited. Her passion now is to inspire others to see and learn more about these amazing creatures.
Insects for Beginners Field Trip registration
We will let you know if the program is full and you are on the waitlist, and we’ll get in touch the week before the program to confirm that you are still planning to come. Thank you!
Banner image: Brown-hooded Eyelet Moth Caterpillar. Photo: Linda Graetz