An exciting first-ever night time Hardwick Trails event is coming!
When: 8pm on Saturday August 23rd
Where: meet at the Hardwick Trails trailhead behind Hazen at 8pm
Here is leader Joe Nudell’s description:
“Come see the woods in a whole new light — ultraviolet light, that is!
The Hardwick Trails is hosting its first ever blacklight walk at 8pm on Saturday August 23rd under the new moon.
The energy in the ultraviolet light spectrum causes certain materials to emit a colorful glow, called fluorescence. While UV light might make you think of raves or pet stains, there are actually many things in nature that fluoresce! Caterpillars, millipedes, spiders, mosses, lichens, mushrooms, and more. In fact, almost every plant glows red under a blacklight due to chlorophyll!
I know of a few fluorescent species we will encounter, but the main point of this walk is to be a fun exploration where we all share our knowledge and discover familiar things in a new light.
All are welcome. We have a few UV flashlights to share, but please bring your own if you have one. Also make sure to bring a normal headlamp or flashlight for safety, and to dress warmly — it’s starting to get chilly at night!
We will meet at the Hardwick Trails trailhead behind Hazen at 8pm on Saturday. It should be dark enough to begin our walk at the end of civil twilight, around 8:15pm!
Here are a few recent blacklight photos to get you excited:
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/307060739
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/307060741
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/307060736
This free event is sponsored by the Hardwick Trails Committee. Call Norma Wiesen at 802-472-6517 with questions.