Event

How to raise an insect

lepidopteran — Wed, 18 Mar 2026 04:20:28 +0000

How to raise an insect lepidopteran Wed, 03/18/2026 - 00:20

Thu, Jul 16 2026, 5:30 - 7pm

Location: Durant Nature Preserve

Description: Insects are amazing and humans could not survive on Earth without them. One great thing about insects is that we can often watch them throughout their entire life cycle, even in a very small space. We will talk about how to take native insects (caterpillars, etc.) that you might find in your own backyard and safely raise them in your house, as well as some tips about what to watch for as they grow. Price includes your own insect-rearing kit. Children must be accompanied by adults. Children and adults must register.

Cost: $15 (includes rearing kit)

Registration

Botanizing by Boat

lepidopteran — Wed, 18 Mar 2026 04:17:33 +0000

Botanizing by Boat lepidopteran Wed, 03/18/2026 - 00:17

Fri, Aug 14 2026, 9 - 11am

Location: Durant Nature Preserve

Description: Ever wanted to see the world from a different perspective? We'll take a nature "hike" on the water, to view plants and the organisms that live in them (birds, insects, etc.). We'll explore our lake by canoe to learn about the ecology of Durant. Bring a water bottle, and a waterproof bag to put things you want to keep dry. Some prior boating experience recommended. Adults only--please pre-register online.

Cost: $10

Registration

Lifestyles of the Small and Squishy

lepidopteran — Wed, 18 Mar 2026 04:14:26 +0000

Lifestyles of the Small and Squishy lepidopteran Wed, 03/18/2026 - 00:14

Sat, Aug 22 2026, 2 - 4pm

Location: Durant Nature Preserve

Description: Insects eat plants—let me count the ways! There is a surprising and incredible variety of ways to eat plants, ranging from chewing them to sucking out their juices like mosquitoes do to us, to mining trails through the insides of leaves, to creating tumors on plants that create fresh food. In this workshop we’ll explore different ways animals eat plants and discuss the adaptations behind some of these methods of feeding. Then we’ll work on finding examples of herbivores in nature to provide you with some tools for contributing to science by looking closely at the small things feeding on plants in your backyards. Preregistration is required (please register online).

Cost: $5

Registration

Moth Night!

lepidopteran — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 23:13:48 +0000

Moth Night! lepidopteran Fri, 02/27/2026 - 18:13

Sat, Jun 13 2026, 8:30 - 10:30pm

Location: Horseshoe Farm Nature Preserve

Description: Moths are incredibly diverse and beautiful! With nearly 3,000 species documented in NC, they come in an amazing array of colors, shapes, and sizes, and also play a vital role in the ecosystem. Please join David George, science educator and co-author of the Moths of North Carolina website, for a late-night program at Durant Nature Preserve. Many different kinds of moths, as well as a range of other interesting night-flying insects, are sure to show up at the lights - and hopefully so will you! This is a late-night program--bring a flashlight, insect repellent, and a water bottle. Children must be accompanied by adults. Children and adults must register.

Cost: $12

Registration

Botanizing by Boat

lepidopteran — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 23:12:04 +0000

Botanizing by Boat lepidopteran Fri, 02/27/2026 - 18:12

Fri, Jun 12 2026, 9 - 11am

Location: Durant Nature Preserve

Cost: $10

Registration

Lifestyles of the Small and Squishy

lepidopteran — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 23:10:47 +0000

Lifestyles of the Small and Squishy lepidopteran Fri, 02/27/2026 - 18:10

Fri, Jun 5 2026, 2 - 4pm

Location: Durant Nature Preserve

Cost: $5

Registration

How Do I Love Thee? Let Me Count the Ways… Reproductive ecology at Durant

lepidopteran — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 23:09:20 +0000

How Do I Love Thee? Let Me Count the Ways… Reproductive ecology at Durant lepidopteran Fri, 02/27/2026 - 18:09

Thu, Jun 4 2026, 6 - 7:30pm

Location: Durant Nature Preserve

Description: In honor of pride month, we'll explore the vast array of reproductive adaptations and behaviors in organisms around the preserve. From female insects that reproduce just fine without a male, to plants that have male and female body parts, to critters where males present as females and females present as males, life at the preserve is fascinating. Join us as we learn and celebrate the diversity in nature all around us. Bring a water bottle. Please pre-register online.

Cost: $5

Registration

Plant Detectives

lepidopteran — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 23:07:58 +0000

Plant Detectives lepidopteran Fri, 02/27/2026 - 18:07

Sat, May 9 2026, 2 - 4pm

Location: Durant Nature Preserve

Description: According to NCpedia.org, there are over 4000 native plant species In North Carolina—if you look outside and just see a sea of green, you are not alone! This workshop will provide you with tools you can use to help distinguish one plant from another. We will also discuss why it matters which plants are which, to us and to other animals that eat plants. No experience necessary. Children must be accompanied by adults. Children and adults must register.

Cost: $5

Registration

Birding by Ear

lepidopteran — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 23:06:47 +0000

Birding by Ear lepidopteran Fri, 02/27/2026 - 18:06

Sat, May 9 2026, 10am - 12pm

Location: Durant Nature Preserve

Description: Help us celebrate World Migratory Bird Day (coming later this month)! Although it is sometimes difficult to spot birds, many people enjoy birds for their songs. Birds sing for many reasons, and often it helps them if their songs are different from those of other birds. We will discuss ways we can identify birds and learn about birds by listening to their songs. Children must be accompanied by adults. Children and adults must register.

Cost: $5

Registration

Ghostchasers: Search for Blue Ghost Fireflies

lepidopteran — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 23:05:11 +0000

Ghostchasers: Search for Blue Ghost Fireflies lepidopteran Fri, 02/27/2026 - 18:05

Wed, Apr 29 2026, 7:30 - 9pm

Location: Durant Nature Preserve

Description: Piedmont blue ghost fireflies are spring fireflies. They are very elusive, so much so that they were only recently recognized as a new species in the Piedmont. We'll join the hunt as part of the City Nature Challenge 2024. Bring a flashlight and water bottle. Pre-registration is required.

Cost: $5

Registration link