Programs

Note:

Community Night Hike and Moth Sheeting
Friday, October 16th 7:00pm
Northlake Nature Center
23135 US-190 Mandeville, LA 70448
Free

The Community Night Hike is a shared, crowd-sourced exploration of the nocturnal environment at Northlake Nature Center. Participants explore a designated section of the nature center at their own pace, with everyone sharing observations and discoveries along the way. The contained hiking area allows for independent exploration without the worry of making a wrong turn or getting lost in the woods.

The smaller hiking area encourages a slower, more observant experience, giving participants the opportunity to notice details of the nocturnal environment that might otherwise be overlooked. Two moth sheets will anchor opposite ends of the hiking area, attracting a variety of nocturnal insects for participants to observe. Experienced naturalists will also be walking along the route to help spot, identify, and interpret the wildlife encountered along the way.

Because everyone explores at their preferred pace, the experience becomes a collective effort. One participant might discover a frog along the trail, another might find an unusual moth at a sheet, and someone else might spot something entirely unexpected. Sharing those discoveries helps turn individual observations into a community-wide exploration—and with more eyes looking, there's a much better chance of finding something fascinating!

Participants are recommend to download iNaturalist to their device before attending this event so volunteers can help learn how to use the app. There will be limited flashlights and headlamps available for loan. Please bring water.

Children 6 & older are allowed to attend. Parents are required to remain with their child throughout the duration of the program.