Prepare for an enlightening virtual journey to learn about the fireflies (Lampyridae) of the Eastern and Central United States and why they are currently disappearing. Explore the bioluminescent creatures in-depth that, from spring to fall, light up the evenings at dusk. You’ll discover why fireflies flash and how they communicate with potential mates using light. Ben Pfeiffer will present his research findings on Texas firefly taxa with a focus on fireflies found in nearby river basins and riparian areas. He will also discuss how to create a good habitat for fireflies, native plants that help them and ways you can help save many of these special species from extinction.

Ben Pfeiffer is the founder of Firefly Conservation & Research at Firefly.org, a nonprofit dedicated to firefly conservation and education. Pfeiffer is a well-known public speaker and science educator working to document the diversity of fireflies in Texas, as well as their natural history, including their life cycle, preferred habitat and unique flash patterns. His research is helping to illuminate the state’s incredibly rich firefly diversity so that others can work to preserve and enjoy it. Pfeiffer studied biology at Texas State University and is a certified master naturalist. He is a sixth generation Texan who has spent most of his life working to understand Texas ecology and its unique diversity.

Ben will be joining us virtually for this program.

Program Fee: $18 (Members, enter your code at checkout to receive your 20% discount.)

The 2023 Winter Lecture Series is brought to you, in part, thanks to the generous support of the Bucks County Foundation.

Everyone loves butterflies, and with initiatives like National Moth Week, more and more people are gaining an appreciation for moths. However, the adult forms of these insects are only the tip of a very large iceberg! Caterpillars are an intermediate life stage that display every bit of the beauty—and considerably more of the bizarre—of the more commonly encountered adults. This program will provide an introduction to finding and appreciating these often-overlooked marvels.

Stefanie Paeg is an Ohio-based naturalist and interpreter whose career was sparked by a childhood fascination with backyard wildflowers and insects. Prior to returning to her home state of Ohio, Paeg spent several years traveling the Midwest and Eastern US working at various county parks and environmental organizations, “geeking out” about nature wherever she found it. She is an active volunteer with the Midwest Native Plant Society and is a certified interpretive guide through the National Association for Interpretation. She is currently the camps manager and environmental educator at Gorman Heritage Farm in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Stefanie will be joining us virtually for this program.

Program Fee: $18 (Members, enter your code at checkout to receive your 20% discount.)

The 2023 Winter Lecture Series is brought to you, in part, thanks to the generous support of the Bucks County Foundation.

Shake off the winter doldrums with our annual Winter Lecture Series. This popular series features presentations by regionally renowned experts on eight Sundays in January and February from 2 to 3 pm. Knowledgeable lecturers address a wide range of topics related to natural history, biodiversity, ecological gardening, native plants, native wildlife and more. All lectures will host virtual and in-person attendees with the same admission price.

Additional Information: Online registration for this program closes 2 hours before the start of the class.

An email with the virtual Zoom Webinar link will be sent after registration closes. The link will come from education@bhwp.org.

The 2023 Winter Lecture Series is brought to you, in part, thanks to the generous support of the Bucks County Foundation.

Through proper plant selection, we can both beautify and greatly enhance the natural environment – we can use native plants in landscape design to elevate gardens to a higher purpose. A garden that supports wildlife brings a garden alive! Randi will discuss some of the many interactions between native plants and wildlife while emphasizing the importance of native diversity and sustainability in landscaping.

Dr. Randi Eckel has been working with native plants for over 35 years, and founded the mail-order native plant nursery Toadshade Wildflower Farm in 1996 to further public awareness and availability of native plants. A life-long naturalist, lover of nature, entomologist, and confirmed plant and ecology nerd, Randi specializes in the interactions between plants and other living things. She is known for her lively and engaging lectures and workshops on growing and propagating native plants, and offers interesting, nuanced information on the complex issues facing native plants and native plant communities. She is the past president (and is currently serving as the vice president) of the Native Plant Society of New Jersey.

This program is free to members and $10 per non-member.

A Zoom link will be sent out to registrants before 2 hours before class begins. You will receive a limited-time recording of the class for later viewing as well.