Hosted by the Mid- Atlantic Hardy Plant Society
"Fireflies: Conserving the Light of the Night"
Speaker: Kristy Gallo
Fireflies, also known as lightning bugs, have captivated the human imagination for centuries. These glowing insects not only evoke fond childhood memories but also play an important role in the ecosystems they inhabit. However, these fascinating creatures are in decline, and there is much we can do to help conserve them. Join Kristy Gallo, Xerces Ambassador, to explore their life history, the factors contributing to their decline, and the steps we can take to protect them. The Xerces Society is a non-profit organization that conserves the invertebrates and their habitats.
Speaker Bio: Kristy Gallo, based in Bellefonte, PA, is an ambassador for The Xerces Society and a passionate advocate for ecological restoration. Her love for gardening began in childhood, growing vegetables with her mother, and evolved into a lifelong commitment to cultivating chemical-free food for her family. As both an artist and a biologist, Kristy finds inspiration in the beauty of nature and is dedicated to protecting the ecosystems we live in.
Since 2017, she has focused her landscaping efforts on native plants, which quickly attracted an incredible diversity of life. This experience sparked a renewed sense of purpose for Kristy as she works to restore native ecosystems within human communities. After winning a "Best in Show" award for her Native Plant Garden, Kristy saw firsthand the impact her work had on her community. Her landscape attracted the attention of neighbors, passersby, and even social media followers, sparking curiosity and conversations about the benefits of native plants.
In 2023, Kristy became an Ambassador for The Xerces Society, joining their outreach network to further educate and inspire others. One of her main goals is to help create a global network of wildlife refuge and corridors by restoring native habitats, one yard at a time.
This Zoom program is free to all HPS/MAG Members. $15 for Non-members. Registration is required. This event will be recorded and will be available for registrants to watch for just 2 weeks following the lecture.
Registration will open November 15th. Click here to register. The deadline to register is January 25th.