Ellis Nature Centre's annual Bug Jamboree attracted scores of visitors during its Aug. 10 run.
The event went from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the centre, which is located on Range Road 260 in Lacombe County, near Joffre.
"We had a great turnout with over 300 people, and many of those folks were first time Bug Jamboree visitors," said Carolyn Ross, the centre's site manager and biologist.
Highlights of the afternoon included John Acorn’s presentation on 'Learning to Love at Least Some Bugs'.
Other key events included a bug hunt, where children and adults could go looking for bugs of all sorts and examine them up close with an expert.
Ilan Domnitch, an entomologist at the University of Alberta who has a keen interest in 'bug' outreach and extension, presented, and Charity Briere, another entomologist who instructs at RDP and a board member of the Alberta Native Bee Council, was featured as well.
Ben Acorn, who is John’s son and is an expert in butterflies, led the butterfly walk, and Dave Lawrie, a member of the Alberta Lepidopterist Guild, chatted with visitors about his extensive collection of various bugs, moths, and butterflies.
"People loved being able to learn about bugs and have fun while doing it," said Ross.
"We may have even reduced a few phobias about bugs! The butterfly walk, led by Ben Acorn, found a woodland skipper which is a first time that species has been recorded at the bug jamboree count.
Ross pointed out how it's so encouraging to observe the interest in nature, particularly insects, across the different age groups.
"It's educational but in an engaging and fun way," she said.
"And our guest experts are knowledgeable and enthusiastic. Its an important event for us with our research focus on birds, as it provides that bigger picture to people about the importance of insects in the ecosystem and for insectivorous birds."
Meanwhile, there are other events planned in the coming weeks as well, including the Harvest Dinner fundraiser on Sept. 7.
All proceeds will go towards the education, programming and operations of the Lacombe Museum and Ellis Nature Centre.
Head to www.ellisnaturecentre.ca for more details on upcoming events, kids' programs, or information on donating to support the centre's ongoing work.
