Dragonflies

Dragonflies are the subject of a talk open to the public at the May meeting of the Lower Farmington River and Salmon Brook Wild and Scenic Study Committee.  The talk will be held in Simsbury at the Apple Barn (60 Old Farms Rd. West Simsbury) on May 14 at 7:00 PM. 

Dragonflies once ruled the air and millions of years later, they remain the fastest flying insects. Jay Kaplan, Director of Roaring Brook Nature Center teaches what is perhaps the only course on dragonflies in Connecticut - "Chasing Dragons," a weeklong summer program for middle school students. Combining natural history with physical fitness, hand-eye coordination, and the same athleticism required for sports like lacrosse, the students have made valuable discoveries with respect to species distribution in the Farmington Valley. Two years ago, the class discovered a species never before seen away from the coast at Simsbury's Meadowbrook Park off Hedgehog Lane. 

At the May 14 event, he will discuss the habits and habitats of these unique and fascinating insects and also offer a primer on dragonfly identification including species likely to be seen in our area.