Park District features caterpillars, moths

Geauga Park District is planning some up-close-and-personal caterpillar, moth and butterfly experiences in August.

“Caterpillar Extravaganza” will take place from noon to 4 p.m. Aug. 20 at The West Woods Nature Center.

The highlight of this event will feature live, native caterpillars on their host plants in an open air display. Many of these giant silk moth species will be available to touch, hold and photograph. Attendees may also bring a caterpillar to the program to have it identified or to add to the Park District’s display and get a free field guide.

The public can then join Field Naturalist Tami Gingrich a week later for “The Art of Rearing Caterpillars” from 1 to 3 p.m. Aug. 27 in The West Woods Nature Center. Gingrich has been raising butterflies and moths her whole life, and her presentation will include photos and helpful techniques for raising them, as well as some live specimens on display.

Then, on Aug. 25, those interested can bring their flashlights to Swine Creek Reservation between 9 p.m. and 1 a.m. for “Moth Baiting & Black-Lighting” to discover late summer moths drawn to black light and mercury vapor lights.

Registration is not required for any of these programs. Call 440-2869516 with questions.

West Woods is located at 9465 Kinsman Road in Russell and Newbury townships and Swine Creek is located at 16004 Hayes Road in Middlefield Township.