Marvelous Moths of Mary Gray Bird Sanctuary

Join us on July 11th at 8:30 pm ET with Jeanette Jaskula, President of Friends of the Sands, to discover some of the nighttime winged wonders at Mary Gray Bird Sanctuary. Join us for an outdoor presentation followed by a hands-on night mothing experience, where we’ll attract and observe these often-overlooked nighttime pollinators up close.

We’ll begin with a short presentation introducing the diversity, ecology, and importance of moths. You’ll learn how to identify common groups, why moths matter to ecosystems, and how scientists and community members study them.

As dusk falls, we’ll head outside to set up lights and sheets to attract moths and other nocturnal insects. Participants will have the opportunity to observe, photograph, and help identify species as they arrive—no experience necessary!

This is a relaxed, outdoor evening program that will take place after sunset. We’ll be spending time in low-light conditions, standing or moving around slowly near mothing stations.

• A flashlight or headlamp (red light setting recommended, if available)
• Weather-appropriate clothing (layers; evenings can get cool)
• Comfortable shoes suitable for walking on uneven ground
• Bug spray (optional)
• A camera or smartphone for photos.
• Curiosity and patience—moths arrive on their own schedule

Optional: If you’d like to help document species, you can download the free iNaturalist or Seek apps ahead of time.

Come experience the magic of nighttime nature and gain a new appreciation for the beauty and importance of moths!

Ticket prices are $15 for Indiana Audubon member adults, $20 for non-member adults, and $5 for youth ages 17 and under. Children 16 and under must be accompanied by a parent or adult.

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• Full refunds are provided for Indiana Audubon events, field trips, and public programs canceled due to inclement weather or unforeseen circumstances.
• Events, field trips, and public programs $10 per person and under (excluding Eventbrite's processing fees) are non-refundable, as proceeds support our work.
• Refunds for events, field trips, and programs over $10 per person (excluding Eventbrite’s processing fees) require 30-day advance notice, minus a 25% administrative fee.
• Refunds for Indiana Master Naturalist programs at Mary Gray Bird Sanctuary require 30-day advance notice, minus a 25% administrative fee.
• Separate cancellation policies apply to the Indiana Dunes Birding Festival and field trips, events, and public programs co-hosted by other organizations.

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