In the summer, bugs are everywhere, and these awesome critters do so much for us! They clean up our forests, make our flowers grow, and so much more. Come get an up-close look and learn about what bugs you can find in your own backyards, where we can find them, and what they do for our planet!

Presenter Bio: Sara Rivera (she/they) is a former Insect Curator for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and a graduate student in the Biology department of WCU. Their thesis research focuses on the evolution of tropical, predatory fireflies. In her free time, Sara also does science outreach with her own organization, THEM in STEM, which focuses on making science accessible and entertaining through local Firefly Walks, Science Storytimes, and endlessly entertaining public talks!

The Village Green and Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust co-host a series of lectures each summer. Visitors and residents learn about wildlife, habitats, conservation, and local cultural heritage from expert speakers in their fields!

All of the Nature Series Programs, adult and youth, are FREE, family-friendly, held RAIN OR SHINE, and no reservations are required.

Thank you to Cedar Creek Club for sponsoring the Village Nature Series!