Outreach activities

Periodically, some of our members are asked to make presentations to classes, summer camps, and similar events for children and adults. We thought it would be helpful to post some photos from these events (beginning in August, 2024). The most recet activity is always at the top of this page. Please contact us if you are interested in a presentation about insects.

Prairie Land Conservancy (lunch and learn) – October 9, 2026

I discussed some unusual central Illinois insects via Zoom with members of the Prairie Land Conservancy on October 9, 2026. I am very grateful to Mr. Jaime Webb for inviting me to discuss central Illinois insects. Most participants were from western Illinois (as the regional headquarters is located in Macomb).

For those keeping count, 10  individuals were present (via Zoom).

We have now discussed insects in person in central Illinois with 1069 individuals for 2026 (and it is only early October). It is great there sems to be such an interest in central Illinois insects. Since I did not ask permission while the Zoom session was going on, I have only included a blurred version of the conclusion of the session. There were a number of insightful questions asked in the chat.

Master Naturalist Training – September 28, 2026

I was invited to discuss insects as part of the University of Illinois Extension Office Master Naturalist training. This was held at Wildlife Prairie Park on September 28, 2026. Photos below were taken by Brittany Chambers and myself during the training session. If you would like to learn more about this program, I provide the link above. Many thanks to Brittany for inviting me to conduct this training.

For those keeping count, 25  individuals were present (including those taking the training and facilitators).

We have now discussed insects in person in central Illinois with 1059 individuals for 2026 (and it is only September). I remain humbled that so many are interested in the tiny wonders at our feet.

I have included a small gallery of photos that Brittany and I took. I hope you enjoy.

FIRST LEGO League – September 16, 2026

I was invited to showcase and discuss insect biodiversity and their role in food webs as part of the local FIRST LEGO League. This is part of the innovation portion of their competition. This years theme is Bioglow. Many thanks to Leslie for inviting me. Ruth and Owen also provided a lot of help. The photos were taken by Owen and Ruth. If you would like to learn more about this competition, I provide a link above.

For those keeping count, 16  individuals were present (including participants and their parents). Leslie developed a field note form which was used by participants. I noted many took a number of notes and asked many insightful questions. I am honored to be asked to do this.

The new total number of people we have discussed insects with in person in central Illinois is now up  to 1034 individuals for 2026 (and September is just half way finished). I remain humbled that so many are interested in the tiny wonders at our feet.

I have included a small gallery of photos that Owen and Ruth took during the outing. I hope you enjoy.

PAS Herpetology – September 3, 2026

I was invited to give a presentation on the intersection of insects and reptiles and amphiobians to the Herpetology Section of the Peoria Academy of Science on the evening of September 3. Many thanks to section president, Doug Holmes, for inviting me. Ruth and I participated and the photos from this event were takne by Ruth. My presentation was entitled The Entangled Web (it is a food web after all – an not always in the direction you might think). The link will take you to a PDF of my slides (6 per page) if you would like to review my talk. I tried to include current information about various groups; Doug kindly pointed out that the story continues to evolve as it relates to poison dart frogs (they may not derive all their toxic compounds from insects after all). This is what I love most about science is that it adjusts to new information and data as we discover.

For those keeping count, 12  individuals were present. They asked a lot of questions and provided many insights. The new total number of people we have discussed insects with in person in central Illinois is now up  to 1018 individuals for 2026 (and September is not half way finished). I am humbled that so many are interested in the tiny wonders at our feet. For comparison, I calculated we reached 566 individuals throughout all of 2025. Interest is certainly growing.

I have included a small gallery of photos that Ruth took during the presentation. I hope you enjoy.

OLLI Study Group – September 3 to October 1, 2026

I am conducting a study group as past of the fall OLLI (Osher Lifelong Learning Institute) events at Bradley University on Thursdays in September. We met in person at the Peoria NEXT facility on September 3; remaining sessions will happen at various preserves in the greater Peoria area. I called this study group “The Insect World: Hidden Lives in Central Illinois.” 14 individuals participated in our first session. Unlike a traditional classroom lecture, we review an optional textbook and discuss various questions and topics. I think this will also give us a better chance to experience insects as we walk the trails through prairie and woodlands in central Illinois this September.

For those keeping count, these 14  individuals participating has brought the total people we have discussed insects with in person in central Illinois to 1006 individuals for 2026 (and September is just starting). I find it amazing that so many are interested in the tiny wonders at our feet.

I have included a small gallery of photos. For our final session at Singing Woods/ Tawny Oaks, we had a honey tasting session. This included some stingless bee honey from Borneo and various honeys from New Zealand (as well as local clover honey and raw honey). I hope you enjoy. I am also developing a list of the species we encounter.

FPNC Bioblitz – August 29, 2026

We (Angella, Jose, Ruth, and I) participated in the first “bioblitz” event at Forest Park Nature Center in over a decade. This nature center is located in Peoria Heights. The event ran all day on Saturday, August 29. Many thanks to Cassie, Kelly, and Susie for inviting our Central Illinois insect group to be a part of this event. For those not familier with the term, a bioblitz is an event held at a specific location and time (in this case one day). All species of flora and fauna are inventoried as best as possible. In this case, many records were also uploaded to a corresponding iNaturalist project. This establishes a baseline of species encountered. Future studies can then compare findings (and reach conclusions such as whether invasive species are on the rise or falling in numbers in that area). Obviously, many species of insects will nto be encountered on a given day, but this does provide a base for further investigation. Although numbers are still being added, the project recorded at iNaturalist had 33 members participating. 869 observations have beenr ecorded as of this writing representing 569 species. As one might suspect, the majority of these species observed were insects. Some species were unexpected (such as the brachonid wasp parasite Cotesia congregata) and Leptopharsa heidmanni (Tingidae). The latter may be a new county record (per Angella). We spent roughly an hour searching for insects during the day (Mark brought his sweep net and beating sheet) and a few hours sugaring for moths and other insects and attracting insects with both UV and mercury vapor lamps in the evening.

For those keeping count, we had 35  individuals visit us during the day and evening. This brings the total people we have discussed insects with in person in central Illinois to 992 individuals for 2026 (and we are still in August). Yes, we are closing in on 1,000 people this year alone. We are humbled and amazed at the local interest in insects.

I have included a gallery of some photos Jose, Ruth, and I took during the bioblitz. We hope you enjoy and look forward to seeing you at another event soon.

Humming in the Heights – August 16, 2026

We (Ruth and I) participated in the first “Humming in the Heights” event in the parking lot of Trefzger’s Bakery in Peoria Heights on Sunday, August 16. Many thanks to Brian “Fox” Ellis for inviting our Central Illinois insect group to be a part of this event. We hope it becomes an annual event. We had a display table with two native Illinois bee posters and many pinned specimens of pollinators and accidental pollinators. Mark brought his pollinator quiz “game” along with prizes (chocolate). This food would not exist without pollinators so that seemed appropriate. Many participated and enjoyed their prizes. Mark also discussed pollinators as part of the sessions in the afternoon. Many of those in attendance had great questions and we also discussed what one can do to help pollinators in central Illinois. Helpful hints – stop spraying pesticides, eliminate some or most of your lawn and replace it with pollinator friendly plants. 

For those keeping count, we had 123  individuals visit us at this event. This brings the total people we have discussed insects with in person in central Illinois to 957 individuals for 2026 (and we are still in August). Yes, we are closing in on 1,000 people this year alone. We are humbled and amazed at the local interest in insects.

I have included a gallery of some photos Jose, Ruth, and I took during the event below. We hope you enjoy and look forward to seeing you at another event soon.

Wildlife Prairie Park – July 24, 2026

We (Ruth and I) conducted a night insect observation session at Wildlife Prairie Park on Friday, July 24. Many thanks to Patrick Menke (and the entire Wildlife Prairie Park staff) for their hospitality and help. Patrick lead a night hike and stopped by our insect stations. Mark ran a mercury vapor lamp behind a sheet to attract many insects. Mark also had a bait station (using a concoction of various sugars and ripe banana) to attract insects. Ruth lead small groups into the pairie plantings to show participants what insects look like when reflecting ultraviolet light.

For those keeping count, we had 33  individuals visit us that evening. This brings the total people we have discussed insects with in person in central Illinois to 834 individuals for 2026 (and the year is barely half over). We are humbled that there is such interest in insects. We addressed many questions about declinign insect populations (such as bees and fireflies) and what can be done to help.

I have included a gallery of some photos Ruth and I took that evening below. The close up of insects are mostly the result of stacking 8 images together to generate the photo you see.

June 27, 2026 – Pollinator Day at Best Bud’s

We participated in pollinator day at Best Bud’s in West Peoria, Illinois on Saturday, June 27. Many visitors took our pollinator quiz and learned which local insects pollinate plants and which don’t. Winners received a prize (chocolate – which would not be possible without plollinators). A total of 58 people stopped by our display and talked with us about Illinois insects and pollinators. It was grerat to see other members of our group stop by (such as Lisa, Julie, and Hudson). We appreciated all the support and interest.

For those keeping track, we have now discussed Illinois insects with 801 individuals in 2026 (and June still has a few days remaining). We hope you enjoy the photo gallery below. Ruth took the majority of these.

June 8 – 12, 2026 ASIW

Art and Science in the Woods (ASIW) was held at the Sun Foundation (near Washburn, Illinois) during the second week of June. A total of 411 campers enrolled in many different classes (major classes were held in the morning; minor classes in the afternoon). I had the honor of introducing the study of insects to 315 of those campers (and their instructors and teaching assistants) throughout the week. I provided introductions to entomology to a number of classes each morning and held minor classes focusing on entomology each afternoon. We discussed the insect of the day. Weather permitting, we conducted counts of pollinators and played a game I call insect bingo (or variations of it) to help campers focus on the insects around us as we walk the fields and forests of the Sun Foundation.

Those who are interested in the materials I used during the week can find them at the site I use for many of my course materials (InsectsMatter.net). We had a coouple of days with somewhat intense storms. That affected our ability to fully document the insects we would notmally encounter (many stayed hidden due to high winds); I also did not want to wander too far with camper due to the intense rain and lightning. Altogether, I think everyone had fun (regardless of the weather).

Many many thanks to my teaching assistants Cas and Anna (and Julie on Friday). Their efforts in helping the classes run smoothly were most appreciated. I have included a photo gallery of some of the photos taken by Cas and Anna during the week. Anna took the majority. I plan to expand on this photo gallery as time permits.

For anyone keeping track, I have now had the honor of speaking with 743 individuals and helping them better understand the world of insects in central Illinois in 2026.

April 15 – May 19, 2026 PRM Lepidoptera Repairs

Our entomology group has been funigating the Peoria Riverfront Museum for a number of years. During that time several of us have noted that a number of specimens (mostly Lepidoptera) have detached or damaged wings. I finally decided it was time to actually make the repairs. All wings were reattached with a water soluable glue (in the event someone wants to further reposition the wings at a future time). In total, I repaired 30 specimens. Yes, it took multiple trips as I had to position each specimen, glue it, then wait for the glue to dry. I also had to keep track of the location information as well as any identification information. I’m glad that this project is finished. Yes, it took me a little longer than anticipated. However, I was also able to identify most of the specimens using the modern names for each species. I have included a small gallery of before and after photos below so readers can see the results of my handiwork.

There were a few observations and insights I also want to share. First (and foremost), if you are going to make an insect collection, be mindful of the location where the specimen is collected and record the precise location on a label attached to the specimen’s pin. Some of these specimens are aproaching 100 years old. Unfortunately, they have labels like “China.” That doesn’t convey a lot of detail. I did note that some species are not known from the location indicated on the label. China is a good example. Some of these species are known from Taiwan. Back in the day, that was called Formosa and was part of China. So the location label may technically have been correct a century ago. More precise information would definitely have been helpful.

Next, if one is goiong to pin and spread Lepidoptera, it is important to be consistent in the spreading technique. I prefer a flat specimen with the back edge of the forewing at 90 degrees to the body. Some prefer to use an angled spreading board. Of course, those are often not standard and I did not have access to the original spreading board. Therefore, I had to manipulate the specimen as best as I could in order to reattach the wing(s). This meant some specimens look a bit odd on one side. That simply can’t be helped. Hence the reason i used a water solutable glue.

I hope you enjoy this small selection of before and after images. Make certain you click or tap on an image to see it in full screen view. You can then scroll through the remaining images one at a time. Even with my limited eyesight these days, I am hoping I did a reasonable job on the specimens (especially the smaller ones). Many of these are likely no longer alive in the wild (many from Africa and South America were collected 50 – 75 years ago). This is another reason I wanted to repair these as best I am able.

May 4, 2026

I covered fundamentals of entomology with both 4th grade classes at Farmington Elementary School on Monday, May 4. I brought some examples from my collection (including some fossil insects). There were 43 people (students and teachers) participating. I began by answering many questions from students (and some from teachers as well). We then focused on the vast diveristy of insects on our planet. After all, they are the little wonders which run our world. We discussed how different life would be without insects (focusing on plants which are pollinated by insects such as tomoatoes and chocolate). We learned how insects percieve the world (focusing on sight, hearing, and taste). We discussed the vast evolutionary history of insects on our planet and covered the 5 major orders in a little more detail (Coleoptera, Lepidoptera, Diptera, Hymenoptera, and Hemiptera). We reviewed and discussed why insects are so successful. Studnets asked a number of great questions. Many thanks to Ms. Parrish for inviting me to discuss insects with both classes. Here are some of the photos she took during my visit to the classes. I think everyone had a great time and learned a bit more about insects. I did run a bit over my allotted time as there were so many questions. Hopefully, I will be invited back next year.

I am trying to track the number of people I discuss insects with in a formal seting this year. I think these numbers are about average for any given year. If I have added correctly, I have had the chance to talk about these small wonders with 428 people so far this year. And it is only the beginning of May.

April 26, 2026 – Mini-Bioblitz Dixon Waterfowl Refuge

Sunday, April 26, 2026, Members of our entomology section (including Ruth and I) participated in the 1st annual nature challenge at Dixon waterfowl Refuge near Hennepin. Many thanks to Katie Kucera and Abby Mattson for inviting our group to take part. Some years ago, Frank Hitchell and I did a couple of bioblitzes at the refuge (and even brought lights to attract insects at night). The results this year are being collected using the iNaturalist app. Our group included myself and 9 others. We had a great time walking slowly along the boardwalk and observing a number of insects. Ruth took these photos as I was busy using a sweep net and beating sheet to search for the smaller insects. I think we all had a great time. I know I did!

Including these 9 indivicuals, the count now stands at 385 individuals who have learned a bit more about insects. I am honored that I have been able to share my passion with this many people in 2026 so far. And, there are many more planned field trips. The best way to learn about these marvels is to go out and look for them and observe what they are doing. Then ask questions. Lots of questions.

April 20, 2026 – Clean Water Celebration

Monday, April 20, 2026, I presented a number of sessions entitled “Bugs Under Water” as part of the Sun Foundation’s Clean Water Celebration at the Peoria Civic Center. I had the opportunity to talk about insects and showcase many aquatic insect specimens (including fossil aquatic insects). 175 students and teachers attended my sessions. Each session lasted about 20 minutes (although some ran a bit longer due to questions). In addition to discussing aspects of entomology, students had the opportunity to showcase their knowledge concerning which insects are indicators of healthy aquatic ecosystems and which insects indicate degraded/ polluted aquatic ecosystems. We even discussed the EPT index (Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, Trichoptera) and how that can be used to asses the health of an aquatic environment.

For those who might be keeping count, I have introduced the fascinating world of entomology to 376 people so far this year (and we are not finished with April). I am humbled that I am able to share my passion with so many in central Illinois.

Here are some photos teachers and others took during my sessions. I hope they capture the enthusiasm and excitement of the students as they examined actual insect specimens (as well as fossil insect specimens). Just click on any image to see a larger view. You can then proceed to view them as a slide show at your own pace.

I’m already hoping to be invited back next year to share my excitement about insects with students as part of this great event.

April 18, 2026 Forest Park Nature Center Earth Day

On Saturday, April 18, 2026, our Entomology Section shared space with other sections of the Peoria Academy of Science at the Earth Day celebrations at Forest Park Nature Center in Peoria Heights, Illinois. Although it was rather cold and blustery (wind gusts of up to 50 mph), we were able to meet and discuss insects with 142 people who visited our booth. I showcased a number of insect specimens from my personal collection as well as cn aluminumum cast of an ant colony. I think everyone enjoyed their time with us.

We also promoted our upcoming movie event (The Extraordinary Caterpillar) which we will show on Thursday, April 23 at the Arbor Auditorium of Illinois Central College in Peoria.

Here are some fo the photos Ruth and I took as we discussed insects and our “bug club.” Click on any photo to see a larger version. You can then advance through a slide show at your own pace. It was great to see so many members of our group also show up to help us out throughout the day. Many thanks to our member, Julie, who provided donuts. They were quite tasty.

March 28, 2026 – 4H – How to make an insect collection.

Mark and Ruth discussed the how and why aspects of making an insect collection to members of 4H at the Universiy of Illinois Extension Center in Pekin. A total of 9 people participated. We provided some handouts including the importance of preventing carpet beetle damage to collections. We also promoted our local entomology group. Although the event was scheduled to last an hour, we spent over 1.5 hours with everyone due to the number of questions being asked by participants. Many questions were most insightful and thoughtful. Here are a few photos of the event that Ruth took during my parts of the presentation.

March 19, 2026 Fumigation

Julie, Rob, Renae and I helped fumigate the Peoria Riverfront Museum insect collection. Most of these specimsn are kept in storage and not usually displayed to the general public. A number of these specimens are almost a century old. Many come from the collections of Harry Biehl (Biehl’s Cleaners) and Lambertus Princen (former director of the Ag Lab). A few specimens were donated by yours truly as well. We try to do this once each year. As many likely know, carpet beetles (COLEOPTERA: Dermestidae) will rapidly destroy a collection unless they are deterred. Many thanks to Julie and Rob for taking time to help. Thanks as well to Renae for helping and facilitating access. All told, it took us a little over 2 hours to change the fumigant in a large number of insect cases. A few of the cases are visible in the background of these photos.  If you are reading this and interested in an educational activity related to insects, please contact us and let us know.

March 14, 2026 Gardener’s Big Day

Ruth and I presented a display on insects at the University of Illinois Extension Service Gardener’s Big Day event held at Cuba High School on March 14. We were present from 7:45 until a little after noon. Many thanks to Brittany Chambers for inviting our Entomology Grouop to participate. Roughly 50 people stopped by our display and we handed out a number of field trip agendas to them. I included a couple of photos taken at the event. Thanks to Ruth for taking the second candid photo of me talking about insects.  If you are reading this and interested in an educational activity related to insects, please contact us and let us know.

October 1, 8, 15, and 22, 2025 OLLI

I had the honor of speaking with 29 participants at the Fall OLLI (Osher Lifelong Learning Institute) offered through Bradley Univeristy this fall. Classes were held from 10:30 to 11:30 in the Business and Engineering Convergence Center. For those unfamiliar, OLLI programs are offered at 123 different institutions throughout the United States. I understand there are roughly 1,300 OLLI members in the greater Peoria area.

I provided a number of resources to supplement the in class discussions. I provide this link to those resources in the event you are curious about the class and what we covered. I have also included a small photo gallery below from the class. It was a great opportunity to share my knowledge and passion about insects with curious minds in central Illinois. Perhaps there will be an oportunity for similar classes with OLLI in the future. If you are reading this and interested in an educational activity related to insects, please contact us and let us know.

September 20, 2025 Best Buds

Pollinators and perrenials – Mark and Ruth discussed pollinators and accidental pollinators at Best Buds in West Peoria, Illinois. Thanks to Ben for inviting us. We had roughly 30 most interested individuals stop by during the two hours we were there. We had an interactive quiz about pollinaotrs. If you scored over 90% you won a small prize (chocolate – which would not exist without pollinators). Here are some of the photos from the event. Most of the people photos were taken by Ruth. I took the photos of the specimens on display. If you are reading this and interested in an educational activity related to insects, please contact us and let us know.

August 2, 2025 Pekin Jr. Naturalists

Mark and Ruth provided a program discussing insect classification, behavior, and ecology to a group of Jr. Master Naturalists (part of the University of Illinois Extension Service) at Coal Miner’s Park in Pekin, Illinois. Many thanks to Brittany Chambers for inviting us to make the presentation. Roughly a dozen individuals participated. After a discussion with questions and answers, we toured part of the park (including a stream bank and grassy arera near woods). Photos below were taken by Ruth Towns during the presentation and tour. We practiced the technique of bugwatching (popularized by a recent book with the same name). Participants were provided with note paper, clipboards, and pencils to track their observations. We thought you might enjoy seeing these. If you are reading this and interested in an educational activity related to insects, please contact us and let us know.

July 18, 2025 Wildlife Prairie Park

Mark volunteered to provide a program on central Illinois insects to junior naturalists at Wildlife Prairie Park. Approximately a dozen junior naturalists participated. Including their parents, we had roughly 25 people participating. In addition to learning what consittutes an insect and their place in the world (being the llittle things which run our world), we also learned about the 5 most prominent orders of insects. Everyone present received a number of  informational flyers discussing insects. We also played a game of insect bingo (identifying the insects encountered via sweeping vegetation in the area). We had a winner. Ruth Towns took these photos, helped facilitate the event and provided many useful insights. Many thanks to Patrick Menke fo inviting us to make the presenttion. Thought you might enjoy seeing them.

June 9 – 13, 2025 ASIW

Na’im and I taught a class called “Insects Inspire” at the 50th Art and Science in the Woods at the Sun Foundation (Marshall Co., IL) during the week of June 9. We were asked to provide introductory sessions to various classes in the morning and we then offered a “minor” class each afternoon. Overall, we taught 250 students and their instructors and teaching assistants about the fascinating world of insects. We even had them practice pinning an insect. I collected some periodical cicadas (brood XIV) near Louisville earlier and also provided some beetles from Cameroon.

Many of the insects we encountered have been recorded on our iNaturalist project – central Illinois insects. Just look for the entries for Marshall County during the week of June 9 – 13, 2025. The above link will open in a new browser tab.

During the week, we showed everyone how to use a sweep net. We also played a game of insect bingo (each bingo sheet had a random set of photos of insects observed at the Sun Foundation over the years). Students got to examine various insects with a digital microscope as well. Everyone seemed to enjoy the class and many learned a lot of interesting facts about insects (such as the incredible speed of tiger beetles). Here are a few of the photos taken during that week.

TheSun Foundation put together a nice video summarizing much of the past 50 years of Art and Science in the Woods. Thought you might enjoy seeing the video linked below as well.

April 26, 2025 Earth Day

Members of the Peoria Academy of Science (including members from our Entomology Section) participated in the Earth Day activities at Forest Park Nature Center, Peoria Heights, IL on Saturday April 26. We had over 200 visitors to our displays. In addition to an assortment of beetle specimens (all from central Illinois), we had an aluminum cast of an ant nest, high resolution stacked photos of a number of beetles, a chart of commonly encountered caterpillars in central Illinois and much more. We were there from 10 until 4. We had a number of interesting discussions with many visitors (young and old). Our member, Ruth Towns, took a number of photos throughout the day. Here is a gallery of the photos she took. We hope you enjoy. Perhaps we will see you at the next Earth Day (2026).

March 18, 2025 – Brimfield Grade School

Mark gave a presentation to the second grade class at Brimfield grade school. Roughly 20 students were present. Many thanks to Patrick Martin for inviting me and for Ms. Cahill to ask me to cover additional topics about insects. She is covering many aspects about insects in her class for a two week period. The presentation/ discussion lasted about an hour (and it seemed that students wanted to learn more and more). Lots of great questions were asked (including what is the smartest insect). Patrick took some photos during the session. I placed some of them below. It was a lot of fun and I think all learned a lot. If you are a teacher in central Illinois and would like a similar presentation, please reach out to our group. Personally, I never cease to be amazed at how curious the next generation is about the world around us.

August 14, 2024 – Charlotte Mason Summer Camp

Mark DuBois was asked to spend some time with children participating in this summer camp near Tiskilwa. Children and adults encountered a number of insects and learned the fundamentals of insect life in central Illinois (aspects such as how to avoid being eaten by predators, how insects likely perceive the world with their vision [compound eyes], and much more). We also observed many insects in their natural habitat and learned about many species we typically walk past in mowed lawns. Here are some of the photos from that day. Hope you enjoy. If you would like a presentation for your class, please reach out to us via our contact page.