Some of you may think of them as the pests that destroy plants. But, Freddie Gillespie of OSPC reminded me that they are also baby pollinators.
In addition to invasive species (like winter and gypsy moths), there are native butterfly and moth caterpillars living in Southborough yards and open spaces.
The lab is a chance to get up and personal with many live species of caterpillars and see some stunning photos. Visitors will learn the fascinating ways different species adapted to survive.
(And if you have questions about which caterpillars are in your yard are native/invasive, this is probably a good place to ask them!)
During exhibit hours, residents of all ages are invited to drop in to see the caterpillars on display at the Senior Center at 9 Cordaville Road. The lab will be there from 3:30 – 7:00 pm on Wednesday, June 7th. There is also a powerpoint presentation beginning at 7:00 pm, geared towards older children and adults.
Presenters are from The Caterpillar Lab. Their mission is to foster
greater appreciation and care for the complexity and beauty of our local natural history through live caterpillar educational programs, research initiatives and photography and film projects. We believe that an increased awareness of one’s local environment is the foundation on which healthy and responsible attitudes toward the broader natural systems of the world is built.
Gillespie explained that it ties in nicely with one of OSPC’s goals. Members are trying to help residents appreciate what open spaces contribute to Southborough’s environment and why that’s important. In that vein, they have hosted programs covering tracking, bird watching, butterfly walks, mushroom walks, vernal pool education and more.
Updated (5/27/16 11:30 am): I originally missed mentioning the 7pm presentation (and there is an updated flyer fixing the presenter’s name).
Updated (6/2/16 2:46 pm): Replaced flyer with more updated version..
Great event. Look forward to attending with our sons!