08/20/2026
Ever been curious who is at the Powhatan farm after dark? Come find out who is flying around out here with AJ Bordell at our upcoming Mothing workshop. Meet at sunset to explore an entire world of insects who make their way of life at night. From moths seeking a mate and caterpillars feasting on their host plants to a Dobsonfly making its debut.
Join us on September 11 at Shalom Farms in Powhatan for a fun and family-friendly Blacklight Night! This guided exploration is perfect for curious gardeners, nature lovers, and anyone who wants to take a closer look at the critters living at Shalom Farms at night!
What is a blacklight night?
A blacklight night is a guided, hands-on exploration of the nocturnal insects living all around us. We’ll head out with an old white bed sheet and some bright lights to gently observe and identify as many critters as we can find. We will use lights to attract insects of all kinds, but we will be looking at moths primarily.
Along the way, you’ll learn some major concepts of insect identification, anatomy, life cycles, and their roles in horticulture and conservation — including simple monitoring and pest management techniques. By the end, we’ll create a species list of our discoveries.
