This September, Bernheim will be celebrating and investigating insects and their relatives, starting Monday, September 13 and lasting through Saturday, September 18. Bug-a-Palooza is a hybrid event, offering both virtual and in person opportunities.
Throughout the week, you can expect an array of virtual happenings, including expert presentations, artist panels, “Interview with an Insect” videos, and bug related blogs. All virtual content can be accessed at WBUG-TV, linked here.
Most in-person events will take place on Friday, September 17 and Saturday, September 18 and include Discovery Stations, bug safaris, live bugs, a bug themed concert, and more – all happening around Bernheim’s Visitor Center and Spirit Nest.
Bug-a-Palooza is a scaled back, pandemic friendly version of Bernheim’s annual Bugfest, which will return once it is safe to do so. Masks and social distancing are required when interacting with Naturalists during programs.
The schedule of in person and virtual events below. Be sure to check in frequently for new content and schedule updates. Click on the program names below to learn more and to register.
Monday, September 13
7 p.m. – 8 p.m.: Your Neighborhood’s Native Bees – Who They Are and Why They Matter (Virtual)
Help us kick off our week-long Bernheim Bugapalooza by joining us for a virtual exploration of the small and important bees hidden in plain sight in our backyards and neighborhoods, with Dr. Olivia Messinger Carril. Registration is required.
Tuesday, September 14
7 p.m. – 8 p.m.: The Beauty of Bugs (Virtual): Join Arts in Nature Curator Jenny Zeller as she leads this exciting virtual conversation with 4 talented artists who take inspiration from the insects around us to create fascinating works of art! Registration is required.
Wednesday, September 15
9 a.m. – 12 p.m.: A Buggy Bioblitz (In person): Join Bernheim Volunteer Naturalists to seek out, discuss, and record a variety of insects that can be found at Bernheim. Registration is required.
7 p.m. – 8 p.m.: Can We Save Native Species in Our Cities? (Virtual): Retired University of Louisville biology professor Dr. Margaret Carreiro discusses planting for pollinators and how we can provide spaces for beneficial insects in our own backyards. Registration is required.
Friday, September 17
10 a.m. – 11 a.m.: Bug Safari for Families with Young Children (In person): Join Bernheim’s resident insect expert Kelly Vowels and Volunteer Naturalists on this adventure in search of all things buggy. Registration is required.
11 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.: Bug Concert with Dan Pascucci (In person)
1 p.m. – 2 p.m.: Monarch Tagging (In person): Learn about the lifecycles, habitat, migration, and research on these marvelous insects with Kelly Vowels and Volunteer Naturalists as they capture and tag monarchs here at Bernheim. Registration is required.
2 p.m. – 3 p.m.: Insect Safari for Adults and Families with Older Children (In person): Registration is required.
Saturday, September 18
Saturday’s Bug-a-Palooza events are presented in partnership with My Big Little Adventure, offering resources and support for families with children ages 0-5. You can visit the My Big Little Adventure table for more information and to receive a special Bug-a-Palooza gift bag!
Masks and social distancing are required when interacting with Naturalists during programs.
10 a.m. – 12 p.m.: Idlewild Butterfly and Insectarium (In person): Stop by the Bug Zoo at the Visitor Center to visit with these local bug experts and their fascinating insect specimens. Drop-in program; no registration required. Meet at the Visitor Center.
10 a.m. – 11 a.m.: Insect Safari for Adults and Families with Older Children (In person): Join Kevin Wiener, creator of the popular ‘All Bugs Go to Kevin’ entomology Facebook group, and Volunteer Naturalists on this adventure in search of all things buggy. Registration is required.
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.: Kids’ Buggy Crafts (In person): Make insect headbands, bug masks and more.
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.: Itty Bitty Explorer Zone (In person): Ideal for kids under 5, stop by and meet some tiny crawlers.
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.: Bug-a-Palooza Discovery Stations at the Visitor Center: Stop by the front of the Visitor Center to visit Insect-themed Discovery Stations, live bug encounters, crafts, activities, and more.
11 a.m. – 12 p.m.: Insect Safari for Families with Young Children (In person): Join Youth and Family Programs Manager Dan Pascucci and Volunteer Naturalists on this adventure in search of all things buggy. Registration is required.
1 p.m. – 4 p.m.: Insect Mural Making with Artist Joanne Price (In person): Drop by to assist former Regional Artist in Residence Joanne Price in making a large, collaborative insect mural. Drop-in program; no registration required. Meet at the Visitor Center.
1 p.m. – 4 p.m.: Kevin’s Critters (In person): Kevin Wiener from Evansville, who started the popular Facebook group, All Bugs Go to Kevin, will be have his live creatures on display. Drop-in program; no registration required. Meet at the Visitor Center.
Continue the celebration with our Bug-a-Palooza playlist, created by Youth and Family Program Manager, Dan Pascucci, available on Spotify and Amazon Music.