Bugs Rule: Insect Festival Scheduled For Sept. 9 In Mercer County

MERCER COUNTY, NJ – School will be reopening soon and what better way to start of the year than attend an educational event.

The Rutgers Master Gardeners of Mercer County will sponsor the 2023 “Bugs Rule!” Insect Festival on Saturday, Sept. 9, at Mercer Educational Gardens, Hopewell Township.

The festival will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., rain or shine. Admission is free and on-site parking is available.

Through fun, hands-on activities, attendees will learn about the importance of insects in human lives and how they create the biological foundation for all terrestrial ecosystems.

This year’s festival will focus on how insects are important because of their diversity, ecological role and influence on agriculture, human health and natural resources.

There will be educational activities for visitors of all ages, including a Scavenger Hunt and Metamorphosis game.

Other highlights include “Bugs in Water,” and Q&A with Rutgers Cooperative Extension Horticulturist, Justine Gray and Mercer Master Gardeners.

Local environmental agencies and experts will offer displays and information to the public. Representatives from the Watershed Institute, Abbott Marshlands, Native Plant Society of New Jersey, Northwest New Jersey Beekeepers Association, N.J. Department of Agriculture, and more will also be present.

Attendees can also learn about various methods of composting. Along the way, there will be activities designed to teach children of all ages to appreciate the beauty, diversity, and essential roles of our insect friends.

The Rutgers Master Gardeners of Mercer County is a volunteer educational outreach program of Rutgers Cooperative Extension. Master Gardeners participate in many volunteer programs throughout the County. For information call (609) 989-6853 or send an email to AsktheMGs@mercercounty.org. Visit www.mgofmc.org for more information.