(39) Entomology Adventures for Natural Resource Education

Cindy Retherford, Grand Traverse Conservation District, Traverse City, Michigan

Session: Poster session

Since 1990 the author has conducted natural resource education programming efforts that have involved various entomological topics.  Many of these have been jointly planned or sponsored by schools, community groups, garden clubs, conservancies and county conservation districts in the northwestern counties of Michigan’s lower peninsula.

Several topics have been featured, including butterfly gardening, butterfly ecology in natural settings, moths and other night-active insects, aquatic insects, and general entomology.  Formats have included simple lectures, displays of preserved and live specimens, walking tours of habitats, observation and collecting tours for children, and utilization of insect traps and attractants to help participants learn about the insects and natural ecology of northern Michigan.

These formats allow for a great deal of close observation of insects, other animals and plants in natural habitats and hands-on activities that create lasting impressions for participants.  Natural ecological relationships are presented in simple terms, along with information on how farms, landscapes and garden ecologies differ from the “wild” settings.

Over 500 adults and children have participated in these events.   Thousands more have been exposed to information on native insect ecology through displays at public events and articles in conservation district newsletters and web sites.

Future efforts in this area will include the development of butterfly check-lists for specific natural areas, a web site for delivery of information on common or unique area insects, and large educational display of preserved specimens and pictures of local insects to be housed at the Grand Traverse Conservation District’s Boardman River Nature Center.

Erwin Elsner
Michigan State University Extension
520 W. Front St., Suite A
Traverse City, MI, 49684
Phone: 231-922-4822
FAX: 231-922-4633
elsner@msu.edu

Cindy Retherford
Grand Traverse Conservation District
1222 Veterans Drive
Traverse City, MI, 49684
Phone 231-941-0960
FAX 231-941-0837
cretherford@gtcd.org