Community Bug Day at Viles Arboretum
Description
Join us for Bug Day at Viles Arboretum!
June 28, 2026 - 10am-12pm - FREE to Attend
Viles Arboretum will be hosting the Maine Entomological Society for it's first annual Bioblitz the last weekend in June!
On the final morning of our 24-hour Bioblitz, the public is invited to drop in and see the results of a full day and night of insect surveying at Viles Arboretum.
Get a close-up look at real specimens collected during the event, see active sampling equipment, and have a chance to ask entomologists questions about what they've found.
This is an outdoor event, so dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes for walking the trails.
What's a Bioblitz?
A bioblitz is a short, intensive survey where a group of people work together to document as many species as possible in a defined place and time. Samples are collected using a wide range of methods, including sweep netting, beat sheets, pitfall traps, malaise traps, light trapping, and other techniques. The goal of this bioblitz is to generate a baseline species list for the arboretum, with a particular focus on how insect diversity responds to native plantings and habitat variation. This will serve as a snapshot in time that can support future monitoring, outreach, and potential research or funding opportunities.
Partner
Maine Entomological Society
The Maine Entomological Society (MES) is a group of people who share an interest in insects and other terrestrial arthropods in Maine. Founded in 1997 by a small group of enthusiasts, MES has grown to include a diverse membership of scientists, students, and hobbyists who are passionate about studying and learning more about the insects around us. The Society offers opportunities throughout the year to learn, connect, and explore. These include an annual meeting in the fall, a winter workshop, seasonal collecting trips, and a growing webinar series. Members also receive The Maine Entomologist, a quarterly newsletter that shares updates, observations, and entomological insights from across the community. MES is committed to increasing knowledge of Maine’s insect diversity while creating a welcoming and collaborative space for people to learn and share their interests. Whether you are a professional entomologist or simply curious about insects, MES provides a way to get involved, build skills, and contribute to a broader understanding of the natural world. Membership is open to anyone with an interest in insects or terrestrial arthropods, whether or not you live in Maine.
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