Event description
Hillsborough Moth Crawl 2024
Join us for an adventurous evening of mothing across 4 locations in Hillsborough! Whether you are new to mothing or a seasoned moth-er, tonight's event is not to be missed!
Each host will have a light trapping setup and insect collecting sheet. Be sure to receive your official Hillsborough Moth Crawl stamp card and have it stamped at each location to redeem for a commemorative prize.
Addresses of each mothing location will be provided to you after you have registered. Locations are private residences in quiet neighborhoods. Restrooms and other amenities may not be available.
Immerse yourself in the serenity of a warm summer evening while we explore the diverse species of moths that take flight after sunset.
Discover the incredible variety of shapes, sizes,colors, and patterns that moths possess. Learn about their vital role in our ecosystem as pollinators and prey. Whether you're an avid nature enthusiast or simply curious about these nocturnal insects, this event promises to be a night to remember.
New for 2024
- Moth Bingo
- iNaturalist Project Contest
- Moth Crawl Merch
The Hosts of the Hillsborough Moth Crawl
Backyard Butterflies is a non-profit organization located in Hillsborough, NC. Their mission is to provide Lepidoptera education, community outreach, and assistance in creating backyard gardens or habitats that support butterfly and moth life cycles. They conduct multiple Moth Night events throughout the year and conduct the NC Moth Project and NC Under-reported County Mothing Project, both state-wide citizen science projects welcoming participants of all ages, abilities, and identities.
*10:30 PM Lights off at this location only
Founded in 1925, the Hillsborough Garden Club (HBGC) has a rich history of activity and community service. Members provide conservation and horticulture education state-wide and in local communities. The Club has a scholarship program to financially assist students seeking horticultural degrees, a grant program to assist groups and organizations who are in alignment with the Club's mission, and the Club conducts a biennial plant sale fundraiser that brings out hundreds of members of the community to purchase plants.
*This host will be shutting off lights at 10:30 PM. Be sure to stop by and see all of their cool and wonderful moths!
North Carolina Entomological Society
The NCES has a history dating back to 1956. Through the decades the Society has brought both amateur and hobbyist insect enthusiasts and professional entomologists together to share knowledge and a mutual passion for insects. The NCES supports academic achievement of students and professionals through the annual recognition of awards and grants. The Society engages in education and community outreach to the public.
Spring Forest is the home and farm of the Church at Spring Forest, a United Methodist new monastic, missional faith community. Our ministries focus especially on regenerative farming, supporting refugee resettlement, connection with nature, and fostering the nutritional and spiritual well-being of our neighbors. We collaborate with other churches, organizations, and non-profits, and with people of other religions and no religion.
What to Bring
Participants will need to bring the following items to the event:
- Headlamp or small flashlight
- Wear sturdy, closed toe shoes
- Wear long pants and a snug fitting shirt
- Cell phone camera or any camera
- Outdoor chair or blanket to sit on
Weather Dependent Event
Moth Night is subject to start time delays or cancellations due to inclement weather. Ticket holders will be notified in a timely manner of any changes before or on the night of the event. The scheduled rain date is June 8.
iNaturalist Project Contest
Join the official Hillsborough Moth Crawl Project on iNaturalist. Take photos of the moths, spiders, and insects you observe on the collecting sheets during the event. Upload your photos to the project on or before June 8, 2024.
Prizes will be awarded to the following categories:
- Most Observations
- Most Moth Species
- Most Non-Moth Species
You must join the project to be eligible for prizes. See the official rules and requirements on either the iNaturalist project page or on the Backyard Butterflies webpage.
Participants of the Hillsborough Moth Crawl are encouraged to take photos during the event and post their observations to the official iNaturalist project. To be eligible for prizes, participants MUST join the project on iNaturalist.