Join Us for Moth Night at Dow Prairie with Nichols Arboretum, UM Entomology Club, and Washtenaw Bird & Nature Alliance.
We’re thrilled to return to Nichols Arboretum’s Dow Prairie for another magical night celebrating moths and biodiversity. In partnership with the U-M Entomology Club and with support from Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum, we’ll set up UV light stations across the prairie to explore the diversity of moths after dark.
What to Expect
We’ll hang sheets lit with UV lights in several locations across the prairie to attract different moth species. This is a relaxed, come-and-go event—move between stations at your own pace, observe, photograph, and chat with moth enthusiasts on-site.
What to Bring
* A flashlight or headlamp
Trails are unlit and uneven—bring a light to navigate and help with photos.
* Dark clothing
Moths are less likely to land on you than the sheet. Ninja mode!
* iNaturalist account (optional but encouraged)
Upload your observations and contribute to community science.
* Curiosity
Moth experts will be on hand to answer questions and help with IDs.
Schedule
Meet at the Dow Prairie entrance of Nichols Arboretum
(From Geddes Ave., turn north onto Riverview Dr. and stay right to Riverview Ct. cul-de-sac)
8:00 PM – Welcome at the prairie entrance (42°16'49.4"N 83°42'44.1"W)
8:15 PM – Disperse to UV stations
9:30 PM – UV Wavelength Walk: return to entrance for a short walk with UV flashlights to spot glowing caterpillars and other nighttime life
~10:30 PM – Stations begin coming down (flexible end time)
Why Moths?
Moths vastly outnumber butterflies—160,000+ described species (possibly 500,000). They’re critical for ecosystems and vital food for birds: 96% of terrestrial bird species feed their young insects, especially caterpillars.
Explore More
Check out the Moth Nights of Washtenaw Bird & Nature Alliance iNaturalist project for photos, stats, and highlights from past events.
You may also like the following events from Washtenaw Bird & Nature Alliance:
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