News

Cradle of Forestry looks at night-flying critters

By Bill Moss, Published: July 8, 2015

PISGAH NATIONAL FOREST — The Cradle of Forestry invites nature enthusiasts of all ages to learn more about night-flying animals during a program on Winged Creatures of the Night at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, July 11. Bring a flashlight and a sense of wonder to enjoy a special focus on nocturnal life in the summerwoods.

The program will begin in the amphitheater near the Forest Discovery Center along the Forest Festival Trail. Children can make a luna moth finger puppet to take home. Naturalists will describe the special adaptations animals have for going about the business of living from dusk to dawn. After the talk, they will lead the group on a stroll through the evening woods in search of winged creatures of the night. In the event of inclement weather, the program will be held in the Forest Discovery Center. The program site is wheelchair accessible.

Moths, bats and owls are among the animals active at night when many of us are settled in our shelters. Winged creatures play important roles in the forest because they help keep mosquito and mouse populations in check.

The fee is $6 for ages 16 and older; $3 for youth 15 and under and America the Beautiful and Golden Age pass holders. The Cradle of Forestry is located along U.S. 276 six miles north of Looking Glass Falls.