URBANA, Ill. – University of Illinois Extension invites the public to explore the natural world at night during a special Night Pollinator Walk at Busey Woods on Wednesday, June 18, 2025. Part of National Pollinator Week, Participants will meet at the Anita Purves Nature Center at 8 p.m. for an evening of discovery, focusing on the often-overlooked nocturnal pollinators.
"The event will begin with setting up a sheet lighting activity that will attract insects to view upon returning from the hike". This technique uses light to attract night pollinators such as moths and beetles, offering participants a unique opportunity to view and identify these creatures up close. Observations can be recorded and contributed to the Illinois Pollinator Week iNaturalist Community Science Project, Pollinator Quest, helping to expand scientific understanding of local insect populations.
As attendees hike through Busey Woods, they will learn how human activities impact these vital, yet underappreciated, pollinators. The program is designed for all ages, offering an educational and engaging experience for families and individuals alike.
"National Pollinator Week highlights the critical role these creatures play in our ecosystems and food supply, even the ones we don't always see," said Karla Griesbaum, Extension Educator. "This night walk is a fantastic opportunity to connect with nature and appreciate the hard work of our nocturnal pollinators right here in Busey Woods."
Attendees should bring a flashlight and their favorite bug spray, though some repellent will also be supplied. Comfortable hiking shoes and long pants are recommended for the walk. Visit go.illinois.edu/NocturnalPollinators for more information and to get registered, and to discover more activities planned for National Pollinator Week, visit publish.illinois.edu/pollinatorweek/
For reasonable accommodation to participate, contact Karla Griesbaum at kherzma2@illinois.edu.
University of Illinois Extension develops educational programs, extends knowledge, and builds partnerships to support people, communities, and their environments as part of the state's land-grant institution. Extension serves as the leading public outreach effort for University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences in all 102 Illinois counties through a network of 27 multi-county units and over 700 staff statewide. Extension’s mission is responsive to eight strategic priorities — community, economy, environment, food and agriculture, health, partnerships, technology and discovery, and workforce excellence — that are served through six program areas — 4-H youth development, agriculture and agribusiness, community and economic development, family and consumer science, integrated health disparities, and natural resources, environment, and energy.