Mid City Times

Published on September 08, 2024

On August 10, the Park & Recreation Department’s natural resource assistant interns hosted an event at Tandy Hills Natural Area to uncover nocturnal wildlife. This 160-acre native prairie site became a hub of activity thanks to a partnership with Texas Parks & Wildlife Department, Friends of Tandy Hills Natural Area, and Native Prairies Association of Texas. The evening drew 112 visitors who explored several mothing stations and observed the nighttime ecosystem.

The event highlighted the significant role moths play as pollinators in the nocturnal environment, complementing daytime pollinators like butterflies, bees, and wasps. These insects are also essential components of the food chain.

In an area just under two acres, nearly 200 species were documented using the iNaturalist app and dark lights. Among these were two bat species, various colorful moths, and glowing scorpions. Some attendees even held the scorpions without incident.

Interesting facts were shared during the event: "Did you know that bug zappers aren’t effective against mosquitoes? Mosquitoes are drawn to the carbon dioxide we exhale, not light. Bug zappers actually target and kill beneficial nighttime pollinators like moths and beetles."

Visitors also had an opportunity to observe celestial bodies through telescopes provided by Fort Worth Astronomical Society. They viewed Saturn, one of its moons, and Neptune.

This initiative was funded by a grant from the North Texas Community Foundation through a collaboration between the City’s Open Space Conservation Program and Park & Recreation Department.