Marvelous Moth Programs

Most people are shocked by the beauty and diversity of MOTHS. Come see what moths appear at several “mothing stations” in the woods.

It’s true that moths have a less-than-stellar reputation, but guess what? Moths are essential to a healthy, functioning ecosystem and definitely don’t deserve their negative reputations. Many, many animals depend on them for food, including 95% of our songbirds like bluebirds and chickadees. One family of chickadees requires more than 5000 insects–including caterpillars of moths and butterflies– for one brood. Imagine how many ALL of the songbirds that live in your yard might need to get through one summer!

Join us for a unique evening outside, in the woods, with a naturalist and teacher who’s been sharing nature with people of all ages for more than 30 years. Sharon is passionate about all things nature, and she will open your eyes to a whole new world. You’ll be shocked at some of the beautiful moths that share our forest with us. Sharon says, “I LOVE mothing because it’s like Christmas– you never know what you’re going to get, but you know it’s going to be interesting!” Every night is different, and there’s no predicting who might arrive at the sheets. In the past we’ve seen various sphinx moths including the azalea sphinx, white-lined sphinx, virginia creeper sphinx, nessus sphinx, lots of silk moths including rosy-maple, tulip tree, polphemus, io moth and imperial, and LOTS OF OTHERS!!

After seeing some photos of Sharon’s on the big screen, and having a discussion about moths, we’ll head out into the woods, with flashlights, to see what the “mothing stations” have attracted. These are white sheets with bright lights directed onto them and bringing in a wide variety of insects, including moths.

It’s sure to be a unique evening! 1000% times more interesting than staying at home on the couch!

BRING YOUR CAMERAS!!!! This will be a rare chance to get up close and personal with some very beautiful and mostly cooperative moths and other invertebrates. Sharon will offer a few tips on photographing the moths.

Please note: A minimum of 8 people is needed for the program to take place. If less than 8 people sign up, I will refund your money, or allow you to pick another date that works for your schedule. All participants will need to fill out a liabilty form for participation.

Please, no children under age 8– UNLESS YOU JOIN THE KID-FRIENDLY TOUR, on July 28th. This is special for kids and their grown-ups, new this year! It will feature kid-friendly activities before viewing the mothing stations. 

This event takes place at a private residence outside of Asheville, NC. The address and directions will be provided after a ticket is purchased. For reference now, the location for this tour is 15 minutes from the REI in Biltmore Square– address 1 Town Square Boulevard, Asheville, North Carolina – NC 28803.

You don’t need anything special for this tour! Just a childlike sense of wonder and a willingness to be out in the night with other nature lovers. Flashlights will be provided for everyone–but feel free to bring your own if you have one you like. The ground is uneven, but we stay mostly on a gravel surface. Mothing stations are set up a short walk from each other, on the gravel driveway. Comfortable shoes are recommended.

After the educational talk, guests will be free to explore the mothing stations as long as you want. Moths will continue to come all night, but most guests leave by 10:30/11:00. Departature time will be up to each guest.