The 11th Annual National Moth Week Kicks off July 23 in East Brunswick

The 11th annual National Moth Week will kick off in East Brunswick, where this international citizen science project first began in 2012, with a Moth Night in Community Park at 8:30 p.m., Saturday, July 23. Rain date is July 24.

The park is located off of Dunham’s Corner Road behind Crystal Springs Aquatic Center. The event is free and open to the public.

New and experienced “moth-ers” are invited to bring their cameras to document the moths that land on lighted sheets that will be set up along trails in the park. Sturdy shoes are recommended and attendees should bring a flash light and bug spray, if desired. Before dusk, around 7:30, children can help “paint” tree trunks with a sweet mixture to attract moths. Minors must be accompanied by adults.

National Moth Week (NMW) was founded by the Friends of the East Brunswick Environmental Commission in 2012 and quickly became an international citizen science project attracting both scientists and moth hobbyists around the world.

To date, it has been celebrated in more than 90 nations around the world and has an international team of entomologists, educators and researchers helping to advance knowledge of and interest in moths and their role in the environment. NMW also has nearly 35 country coordinators around the world who engage their fellow citizens in NMW activities, such as moth nights, educational programs, moth photography and data collection.

National Moth Week (NMW) invites moth enthusiasts, a.k.a. “moth-ers,” of all ages and abilities to participate in this worldwide citizen science project that shines a light on moths, their beauty, ecological diversity and critical role in the natural world as pollinators.

Since it was established, NMW has inspired thousands of public and private moth-watching and educational events around the world. Sites have included National Parks and Monuments, museums and local recreation areas, as well as private backyards and front porches – wherever there’s a light and a place for them to land. Individuals and organizations can register their own backyard and public events at this link.

Though often maligned as butterflies’ unattractive cousins and nighttime nuisances, moths have always had loyal fans among entomologists and naturalists for their beauty and value as pollinators and a food source for other animals. Today, moths also are being observed for the impact of climate change on their numbers and distribution.

For more information about National Moth Week, visit nationalmothweek.org.

The Friends of the East Brunswick Environmental Commission is a nonprofit organization dedicated to conservation and environmental education. In addition to National Moth Week, its activities include the Community Garden, Freecycling Days, Salamander Protection Program and Option Green lecture series at the East Brunswick Public Library.

To learn more about the Friends of the East Brunswick Environmental Commission and its activities, go to friendsebec.com. Click on “join” to join the email list.