Come learn all about beneficial bugs in the woods! BUG OUT! A Forest Insect Walk will be led by naturalists from the Branford Land Trust on Sunday, June 30, at 2:00 p.m., to observe and learn about captivating insects as we explore the Pisgah Brook and Saltonstall Mountain Preserves. Meet at the cul-de-sac at the end of Lantern View Drive in Branford, hike through woods and wetlands, discuss the role of insects in forests, and identify the beneficial bugs we encounter along the trail.
When you see an insect, what is your first response? Curiosity? Indifference? Terror? A few insects, like mosquitoes, have dominated how we feel about a diverse and important group of organisms. Don’t let a few pests keep you from learning about the fascinating and complex world of insects! Only a small fraction of insects are pests, so who are the other thousands of species?
The Pisgah Brook and Saltonstall Mountain Preserves are parts of a steep traprock ridge that reaches west to east, straddling the Branford/North Branford border. From the cul-de-sac at the end of Lantern View Drive in Branford, we will hike about one mile along the beautiful, forested traprock ridge to a scenic overlook of North Branford. We will look for insects along the way and note the habitats along the ridgeline that support unique insects! We will then use the same trail to walk back, for a total of approximately two miles on flat, but uneven, terrain.
The event is free and open to the public. Families are welcome, but no dogs, please. Please wear appropriate clothes and comfortable, supportive walking shoes. Long sleeves and light-colored clothing are recommended to deter mosquitoes. Expect moderate terrain, with rocky underfooting. Bring water. Walking sticks are welcome. We expect the event to last 2-3 hours.
