LET’S COUNT THE FIRE FLIES
By Ben Cote
So, I’m a day late.
Our firefly survey is going on until the end of July. Fireflies are disappearing at alarming rates.
Several reasons are to blame, but it’s estimated that a few years will eliminate this creature completely.
Many of us have memories of catching them. I remember seeing them flashing in the fields of Pennsylvania and the woods of rural Rhode Island as a kid.
It’s a magical experience.
Let’s take a look at places in our Watersheds where they are flourishing.
What is the terrain?
What covers the forest floor?
How can we protect the area?
I’m going to tell you a secret. The woods behind North Purchase Cemetery in Attleboro is the last place I know of that has thousands lighting up the night sky.
This year we hope to find more.
So far, we will be watching NP, Slater Park, Bucklin Meadow, and the Ten Mile Reservation.
If no fireflies are seen at the areas being surveyed, let’s move on and try to find other places where they are active.
Please send me weekly email updates.
That way we can keep track of how long they are active at each site.
If it goes dark, give it a week before giving up on the spot.
Best viewing time would be between dusk until an hour after dark.
Send me the area you will survey and I will let each city/town know that we will be there.
Thanks everyone!
Ben C0te
President: Friends of The Ten Mile River