Short Wave Come critter spotting with us on a cold winter's night
5 snips
Jan 19, 2026 Join a nighttime adventure in Patuxent River State Park as naturalists uncover the wonders of winter wildlife. Discover lichens that glow under UV light and learn how to attract nocturnal moths with strategically placed lamps. Marvel at a red-back salamander's clever winter hiding techniques and delve into the bizarre world of fungi with countless mating types. The excitement continues with discussions on community nature events, such as the City Nature Challenge, making this a perfect mix of science, nature, and camaraderie.
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Hidden Fluorescent Lichen Sunscreen
- Lichens are hybrid colonies of fungi and algae living in symbiosis on trees.
- Some lichen fluoresce under UV because they produce chemicals that act like sunscreen against UV damage.
Moths On A Lighted Sheet
- Naturalists hung a sheet lit with mercury vapor lamps to attract moths, creating a motley display against the fabric.
- Matt Felperin also demonstrated owl calls to try to draw territorial barred owls closer to the group.
Join Community Nature Challenges
- Join community events like the City Nature Challenge or local bio-blitzes to learn species ID and contribute observations.
- Use tools like iNaturalist to document and identify species while building engagement with nature.