Insects at Myrick Park

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Presenter: Barrett Klein, UW-La Crosse Entomology Professor

Activity: There will be pulse-pounding displays of some of the most glorious insects on Earth, and Barrett will discuss examples of ways in which insects have affected our culture and history, from fashion to food, music to movies, and politics to espionage. Weather-permitting, Barrett will lead an insect walk, pointing out insects and sharing tales of their natural history along the way. If you join Barrett on his walk, please bring closed-toed shoes for your safety.

About the presenter: I am a professor of entomology and animal behavior, investigating sleep in societies of insects in the Pupating Lab at UWL. I studied insects at Cornell University, the University of Arizona, and the University of Texas at Austin, although this academic sequence was split by years of producing natural history exhibits for museums. I worked at Chase Studio (in Missouri), and at the American Museum of Natural History (in New York), roaming its half-lit halls by night and creating insects, giant viruses, and working in both education and exhibition by day. When I am not studying sleeping honey bees, I curate an insect collection at UWL, create insect art, and revel in discovering and documenting connections between insects and human culture.

Part of the Spotlight on Nature Event Series

The series, part of the Driftless Area BioBlitz 2022 Nature Challenge, is your chance to participate in a bioblitz with experts sharing their passion for and knowledge of the driftless region. There will be eight different events, each focusing on various taxa like fungi, moss and lichens, pollinator plants, birds, and insects, including nocturnal and decomposers.

Please note:

• Partially weather dependent.  In case of inclement weather the lecture part of the event will be held in the Myrick Center Discovery Room.