I’M MAD FOR MOTHS, and hope to convince you to be, too. Want to come mothing by night, with a top expert as your guide? With Friends of Taconic State Park, I’m co-hosting a free event in July, and back by popular demand: Brigette Zacharczenko, moth researcher at renown entomologist Dr. David Wagner’s University of Connecticut-Storrs Entomology Lab, to lead an after-dark walk into the species-rich Taconic State Park, in Copake Falls, New York.

Reserve a free ticket below (space is limited!) to Update 7/1: Response to this even has been fantastic, so we are close to capacity. Put your name on the waitlist to come see moths and other flying creatures of the night on white sheets at special blacklight and mercury-vapor light stations set up for us in the Park, including perhaps the giant pandorus sphinx (above) from last year’s walk, who really liked resting on my neighbor’s shirt or Brigette’s nose (below).

Before dark, we’ll first examine and release the live catch from special blacklight traps set the night before, to get acquainted with some of the local species. At dark, we’ll venture along Park trails to the various light stations to see the night’s diversity of visitors. We’ll continue till 10 or so, as long as there are moths, and participant interest.

The mothing event begins at 8:15 PM at the historic Copake Iron Works, located adjacent to 33 Valley View Road. Past the Taconic State Park entrance and visitor center, continue on Route 344 over the metal bridge where Route 344 meets Valley View Road, and go straight one more block to the Iron Works historic site. Advance tickets are required. (NOTE: Mothing will be canceled by serious rain, and participants will be emailed that afternoon by 5 PM if cancellation seems warranted.)

If you live elsewhere: This event is part of National Moth Week; check their website for more possibilities.