EAST BRUNSWICK — Nature enthusiasts of all ages are invited to grab their cameras and head over to Port Street alongside Jamesburg Park at 8 p.m. July 18 for the kickoff of National Moth Week, sponsored by the Friends of the East Brunswick Environmental Commission.
A mercury vapor light and white sheet will be set up and a long sugar bait trail will be created to attract moths after dark.
The Jamesburg Park Conservation Area is part of the Middlesex County Parks system. It lies within the Spotswood Outlier — the northernmost area of New Jersey Pine Barrens habitat separated from the main area of the Pine Barrens to the south by about 15 miles.
This protected area is situated in East Brunswick, Helmetta, Spotswood and Monroe Township. It is rich in vegetation diversity and should be an ideal place to look for moths.
Attendees may park along Port Street off Helmetta Boulevard. Flashlights and closed shoes are recommended for walking along dark trails.
National Moth Week, celebrated this year from July 18 to 26, shines a spotlight on moths, calling attention to their beauty, biodiversity and ecological importance.
It was started in 2012 by the Friends of the East Brunswick Environmental Commission and quickly became an international event attracting citizen- scientists in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and over 40 countries.
Participants are encouraged to document their sightings and contribute their photos to organizations that partner with National Moth Week, such as Project Noah, iNaturalist and others. More information can be found at nationalmothweek.org.