by Nicole Loughan

July gives Bucks County a little something extra to celebrate in the evenings, bats, bugs and our namesake the Buck Moon. When the sun goes down nature comes alive and several area nature centers are planning evening experiences to celebrate the July 27 full moon, known as the Buck Moon. It was named in honor of deer antlers that grow in the summer months. Several area nature centers are planning evening activities to celebrate that evening and other summer night wildlife.

Moth Madness
On Saturday, July 7 the Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve will host a nighttime exploration meant to explore moths. The expedition will be led by Elana Tartaglia, Ph.D. The program will start at 8 p.m. with a presentation about the importance of moths to the ecosystem, before heading out for a look at the winged insects, attracted by a black light in the meadow. This event is open to all ages and is scheduled to conclude at 10:30 p.m. Cost is $8 ($6 for members). The preserve is located at 1635 River Road, New Hope, PA.

Silver Lake After Dark
Silver Lake Nature Center in Bristol will be celebrating the Buck Moon with an after-dark hike, scheduled Friday, July 27 from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. The walk will start at the Nature Center Visitor’s Building at 1306 Bath Road, Bristol cost is $10 (members $8)

Moonlight Walk
On Friday, July 27, Peace Valley visitors can look to the sky. Visitors are invited to take a walk in the moonlight to enjoy the majesty and beauty of Peace Valley Nature Center. The walk is scheduled to start at 9:00 p.m. and is free and open to the public. If it is cloudy or raining the walk will be canceled. To check the status of the walk, call 215.345.7860. The Peace Valley Nature Center is located at 170 N. Chapman Road, Doylestown, PA.

Bat Bonanza
On Friday, July 13 Peace Valley will be ready to look up. The naturalists have planned a fun-filled evening searching for bats, with bat activities and a wild walk. This kid-friendly event begins at 8:30 p.m. and is billed as family friendly. The cost to attend is $2, members are free. Pre- Registration required. The Peace Valley Nature Center is located at 170 N. Chapman Road, Doylestown, PA.

Nighttime Invaders
Want to know what comes out when the sun goes down? The Churchville Nature Center has the answers at their Nighttime Invaders Series. The next sessions are planned for July 27 & August 24. Curious viewers can the Center Naturalist for a series of nighttime programs exploring the fascinating diversity of insects that emerge when the sun goes down. Each month will explore a different group of insects that are most abundant during that time of year. Naturalists will be using light traps to draw the bugs in. The summer schedule includes July 27: Moths August 24: Katydids & Crickets Time: 7:30-9:00 p.m. / Fee: $5 a person. The Churchville Nature Center is located at 501 Churchville Lane, Churchville, PA.

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