NEW Educational Experience program
Join the ODNR Division of Parks and Watercraft naturalists and the Little Miami Watershed Network to learn all about lightning bugs, aka fireflies, and the night sky! Lightning bugs are an important part of the Little Miami River Valley, our Ohio State Parks, and in many people’s backyards. Join us and our network of partners to learn about all of the neat things in the sky once the sun goes down and the fireflies start to fly! Stations and activities will be on-site with LMWN, ODNR, Miami Valley Astronomical Society and Dark Skies Ohio.
8pm-10pm Meet at Caesar Creek Beach Pavillion
8:00pm Lighting Bugs of Ohio: Did you know we have over 25 species of lightning bugs in Ohio? Join us to learn more about what kind of species we have and where to find them.
8:15pm Learn to be a Citizen Scientist of Fireflies: Learn how you can help scientists track fireflies from your own backyard through the Firefly Atlas citizen science project. We’ll discuss what to look for, how to observe responsibly, and how your observations can support firefly research.
8:30-9pm Firefly Flashlight Tag! Participants will use flashlights to mimic firefly signals while learning how different species find mates, avoid confusion and light up the night. Bring your own flashlights, we will also have a few on hand.
9-9:30pm Catch, Identify and Release . We’ll carefully catch, observe, and release lightning bugs while learning basic identification tips, safe handling practices, and why these glowing insects are important to healthy nighttime habitats.
9:30-10pm Group activities: Night vision and triboluminescence demonstration. Firefly night walk will be a suggested walking area to simply enjoy the sights and sounds of night at Caesar Creek.
Star Gazing with Miami Valley Astronomical Society will be ongoing throughout the event.