Lightning bugs will be the stars of the show at the Western Kentucky Botanical Garden on June 3 when families gather for the Know and Glow Firefly Festival, an event blending science, nature, and summertime fun.
The event, being held for the first time, will run from 6-8:30 p.m. and is free to attend. Hosted in partnership with the Green River Area Extension Master Gardeners, the evening will feature educational talks, crafts, face painting, and a “lightning bug safari” where children can observe and collect the glowing insects in special bug keepers.
Diane Bowers, helping organize the event, said the idea came from fellow gardener Becky Martin, who was inspired after hearing multiple talks from University of Kentucky entomologist Dr. Jonathan Larson. Martin suggested they host a community event focused on lightning bugs, and the idea was soon brought to life.
Bowers said that Larson will give three short presentations throughout the night. Each talk will cover the life cycle of lightning bugs, why their numbers are declining, and how everyday lawn care choices can impact their survival.
“He’ll talk about the importance of them,” Bowers said. “It takes them two years to actually emerge. When you’re spraying your yard with chemicals, you’re killing the lightning bugs and that’s why there’s a lot less of them than when I was a kid.”
Bowers said it will be a night of education and quality time. She also noted it’s not often that guests can experience the Botanical Garden after dark.
“Having a unique event like this, we hope that it brings people out to the garden who haven’t experienced it before,” Bowers said. “And then in the hopes that they’ll come back and really see the peacefulness and the beauty of the Botanical Garden.”
Bowers said she also hopes the event serves as an educational opportunity, helping attendees understand how everyday decisions — such as what they plant or spray in their yards — can affect the environment and a wide range of insect life.
