Come see a variety of insects and other cool creepy crawlies with entomologists from Arizona State University (ASU) for Bug Night! Sponsored by Friends of Hassayampa, the researchers will be setting up a large light setup to attract insects at the picnic area in the palm grove after dark. The Preserve has high biodiversity and we should expect to see dozens of species if we have received adequate rainfall by then. In between checking out their lighting setup, rangers and will be available to lead attendees to show them scorpions and look for other nocturnal wildlife nearby, including skunks, raccoons, ringtails, javelinas, deer, rodents, snakes, and bats.
Some blacklights and small flashlights will be available to borrow at the Visitor Center, but please bring your own if you have them. Please bring your own water and snacks. Sturdy, closed-toe footwear are recommended. Palm Lake Trail, the Visitor Center, and picnic area are barrier-free and navigable by wheelchairs and strollers. Restrooms are located by the parking lot.
This special event is scheduled outside of our normal business hours, so the entrance gate will be reopened that evening at 6:30pm and will be closed again at 9:00pm after the program has ended.
MEETING LOCATION: Visitor Center
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/V5BnHQrAfszGU9ru6
From Phoenix, take Hwy. 60 towards Wickenburg and turn left at the short turn lane across the median near milepost 114 immediately before the large electronic ADOT arch sign over the northwest-bound lanes. This is just before you enter the outskirts of Wickenburg. Allow yourself extra time to drive to the Preserve if coming from the Phoenix area, due to increased rush hour traffic by U.S. 60 (Grand Ave.) and the Loop 303 Freeway.
Limit 50 participants. To register, please call the Visitor Center at 602-506-2930 ext. 9 with your name, phone number, and number of people attending. If you find you cannot attend a program after you have registered, please call the Visitor Center ASAP so we may contact those on the waiting list. This program is all ages, but might not be suitable for toddlers or young children due to their perception of the darkness and hiking length. Registration for this program will close at noon on the day of the program, 8/20.
PLEASE NOTE: Outdoor summer programs may be canceled on short notice due to severe weather, including extreme heat events and thunderstorms. The Maricopa County Parks website (http://www.maricopa.gov/parks) is the most accurate resource for verifying the program’s current status. Please check the program listing online or call the Nature Center before coming to the park.