Each summer, the Floyd County Library sponsors the Summer Reading Program. The themes change each year, and this year we are celebrating a book called “The World of Wonders” by Aimee Nezhukumatathil. Each chapter tackles a different aspect of nature that holds a special meaning or memory for the author. The first chapter in the book talks about fireflies. I am sure everyone can remember the first time they caught a firefly in a jar or just looked at them dance above the grass.
If you want to take your firefly watching to the next level, check out the citizen science project called Firefly Watch from Mass Audubon!
Citizen Science, or Community Science, is when the general public help gather and submit observational data to specific studies usually under the guidance of research labs or scientists.
These projects usually pertain to watching wild animals, tracking plant growth, and documenting environmental conditions such as the temperature of certain waterways. By allowing regular people to submit observations, scientists are able to collect data from specific areas and for a much longer period of time.
The idea of citizen science is not new. Farmers, insect collectors, and nature observers have been tracking weather, insect behavior, and plant growth for centuries. With ease of access through the internet, now anyone can help contribute.
Get involved with the Firefly Watch project here! By observing fireflies and their flashing patterns for 10 minutes a week, and submitting your findings according to the guidelines, you can help a team of firefly scientists track mating habits, the effects of light pollution, and insect chemical defense mechanisms.
For more fun, check out this project from Left Brain Craft Brain to make your own glowing firefly! We have a few premade kits left at the Galena Branch while supplies last, but the materials can be bought easily online!
