Join Wisconsin Master Naturalist and photographer Kevin Hanley for tips on photographing insects. This presentation will cover depth of field issues, advantages of flash, basic problems/solutions and tips to get better quality insect photos. This presentation is for all camera types from phones to DSLR/Mirrorless.

The Olbrich Garden Scouts Volunteer Team have been tracking insects they see in the garden for 7+ years. Stroll through the garden with horticulturalist Samantha Malone and learn which plants are insect-favorites, how Olbrich has changed their plantings to attract more insects, which bugs they see most often, and why it is so important to encourage insects in your garden. With any luck, we will spot some of our favorite insects along the way!

Wetland insects are a remarkably diverse and resilient group of invertebrates specifically adapted to thrive in environments where land and water meet. These unique habitats, like bogs, marshes, swamps, and fens, are characterized by saturated soils, fluctuating water levels, and often specific water chemistry (such as acidic conditions in bogs). Join entomologist Ann Marsh to take a closer look at some of the amazing insects that live in these places.

Curious what sort of creatures might be pondering life from beneath a leaf, or crawling about after the lights go out? Join Angus Mossman and a host of jaw-dropping creatures to share some awe and wonder about some of the small things in the world that often go unnoticed. This presentation will begin with a ‘movie’ of insect stills taken around southern Wisconsin, followed by a chance to revisit and discuss some of the stars of the show. If there’s time, we’ll end up outside inspecting some flowers and leaves around the gardens. Come prepared to ooh and aah and ask questions that may or may not have answers. Angus hopes you leave this presentation prepared to become better acquainted with your neighbors, no matter how many legs or spines they might have.

Beetles (Order Coleoptera) are the most diverse group of animals on the planet with roughly 1 out of every 4 animal species known to science being a type of beetle. Join beetle expert, Dr. Dan Young, to take a closer look at what defines a “beetle” and an overview of Wisconsin’s beetle diversity.

Did you know that Olbrich has documented 78 unique species of bees at the Gardens? The vast majority are solitary, non-aggressive, and nest in the ground, old beetle holes, or hollow stems. Join Olbrich Horticulturalist, Katey Pratt, to learn more about creating your own bee hotel using hollow stems and discover how to create essential habitat for these vital pollinators. Let’s support our bees together!

Have a vegetable garden? If so, you know how insects can be abundant and while most are beneficial, some can munch away at our veggies. Join vegetable crop entomologist, Dr. Russ Groves, to learn about the major pests affecting our garden vegetables such as cole crops, onions, carrots, potatoes, tomatoes and cucurbits. Dr. Groves will help you learn to identify common pests (and their associated damage) and will review non-chemical ways to avoid or limit damage in your own garden plot.

The Great Spreadwing (Archilestes grandis) is the largest damselfly in Wisconsin, found uncommonly south and east of the Wisconsin River. Olbrich Gardens is a reliable spot to find this handsome species. Join Dr. Edgar Spalding, president of the Wisconsin Dragonfly Society, for a short indoor presentation to introduce damselflies, the spreadwing family in particular, specifically the Great Spreadwing, followed by a walk to the ponds to try to find some.

Periodical cicadas (Magicicada spp.) have fascinating stories—living below ground for 17 years before emerging into a flurry of activity. Last year’s emergence of periodical cicadas in Wisconsin and over a dozen other states was a historic event and something that we won’t see again in the Badger state until 2041. Join the Wisconsin Bug Guy, PJ Liesch, to relive last year’s periodical cicada emergence and learn about intersting finds from cicada surveys in the state.