Nighttime Mothing Bioblitz
Discover what makes moths so fascinating, what it means to “put on your moth goggles”, and get helpful tips for finding day- and night-flying moths.
Event Information
First launched: Friday, April 24, 2026 (for the iNaturalist 2026 City Nature Challenge)
🌿 JBWR Description: The JBWR is a 900-acre preserve on the edge of Jamaica Bay, the jewel in the crown of NYC’s ecological resources, with 330 bird species and 107 species of finfish. It’s home to salt marshes, uplands, open bay and beach areas, and two ponds, supporting hundreds of species of plants and wildlife.
🦅 Event Description: WE’LL BEGIN WITH A DAYLIGHT survey of plants and animals, using the iNaturalist app to photograph them. It’s super fun, and our observations will help scientists and conservationists understand the biodiversity of the Refuge and NYC and how to best protect our wildlife.
AFTER SUNSET, we’ll light up mothing lights, powered by our portable battery. Many birders and naturalists have a “spark bird,” the bird that got them started - meet your “spark moth” tonight!
Host: Co-hosted by Wild City and the American Littoral Society
Joining us: Don Riepe, Jamaica Bay Guardian, wildlife guide and photographer, Alex from the American Littoral Society and Wild City naturalists.
🔍 Discover: What makes moths so fascinating, what it means to “put on your moth goggles”, and get helpful tips for finding day- and night-flying moths.
✨ Wild Facts: Moths make up a whopping 89% of the order Lepidoptera, with butterflies making up only 11%.
📱 Please bring your:
smartphone or tablet with iNaturalist downloaded.
sunglasses specifically labeled as 100% UV Protection or UV400. (This rating ensures the lenses block 100% of both UVA and UVB rays.)
🚌 Accessibility Info: Accessible by A train and bus, with plentiful free vehicle parking in the Visitor Center parking lot.
