“Bugs in the Backyard,” a Nature Series program sponsored by Friends of the Fredericksburg Nature Center, is a chance to explore the hidden world of insects that inhabit our local environment.

The program will take place on Thursday, August 7 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon at the AgriLife Extension Office, 38 Business Court in Fredericksburg.

Avid gardener, nature lovers or those who enjoy learning new things will change the way the natural world is seen.

The guest speaker for the program is Molly Keck, a Board-Certified Entomologist and Integrated Pest Management Program Specialist with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, who will guide you on a journey through the captivating universe of backyard bugs.

“Our own backyards are teeming with life waiting to be discovered,” Keck said. “By learning about insects and their ecological roles, we become better stewards of the environment.”

A few things attendees will learn are how to identify common late-summer pests that can affect vegetables, landscape plants, turf, and trees and strategies for managing them effectively. Also, how to identify the helpful insects that work as nature’s allies, keeping pest populations in check and promoting garden health, and about the diversity of other insects you might encounter.

The program also includes a hands-on component, with the speaker bringing as many insect specimens as possible for attendees to not only view on the big screen but view in real life as well.

This program is tailored for an adult audience and older children with an interest in insects.

As a bonus, Jonathan Watt, President of the Fredericksburg Native Plant Society, will have native trees available for purchase at the workshop. All proceeds will benefit the FFNC.

To reserve your place at “Bugs in the Backyard,” email Gracie Wagener at gwaggener@flow-apps.com.

Friends of Fredericksburg Nature Center is a 501(c)3 corporation dedicated to promoting environmental awareness and appreciation for the natural world. Through programs, guided nature walks, workshops, and educational events, FFNC strives to connect people of all ages with the beauty and complexity of the natural world in our area of the Texas Hill Country. For more information, visit fredericksburgnaturecenter.com.