Whether you call them lightning bugs or fireflies, these insects will soon light up the backyards, meadows, and woods of the Mid-Atlantic. They appear in late May through September, depending on the species. Lightning bugs are known for their bioluminescent courtship displays at dusk and night, where they flash light from organs in their abdomen to attract mates.

These delightful insects are not just pretty, but are also beneficial to gardens and habitats. As larvae, lightning bugs are carnivorous predators that eat soft-bodied invertebrates like snails, slugs, and worms. As adults, they act as pollinators by eating flower pollen and nectar.

About 170 of the 2,200 global lightning bug species are found in the United States and Canada. Global populations are declining though due to habitat loss, climate change, pesticide use, and light pollution.

According to the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation, here are some things you can do in your own backyard to help conserve lightning bugs:

• Provide habitat and let it get a little wild. Include a variety of native plants, leave the leaves, and mow less frequently.
• Avoid using pesticides, which can kill lightning bugs and degrade their habitat.
• Turn off outdoor lights at night, especially during the summer lightning bug season.
• Participate in a lightning bug community science project, such as: Firefly Atlas, Firefly Flash Pattern Project, Firefliers International Network on iNaturalist, and Carolina Ghost Hunt.

Lightning bugs tend to like damp places near the ground. Can you think of spots around the National Arboretum you might find them at dusk?

FONA members are invited to join us for our May Member Picnic in the Ellipse Meadow this Saturday, May 17th from 12 PM to 2 PM. Bring a lunch and something to sit on, and we'll bring some treats and activities to share. Come enjoy the Arboretum on a beautiful Saturday and meet others who love the Arboretum, too!

The artistically gnarled branches, evergreen leaves, and curious bell-shaped flowers of the mountain laurel make it a unique, eye-catching beauty. Native to the Eastern United States, it is a larval host to the laurel sphinx moth. It grows in a variety of habitats but prefers moist soil and partial shade. Flowers tend to be white in the wild, but cultivars can be found in all shades of pink or decorated with intricate patterns of dark red speckles.

Kalmia latifolia have evolved an ingenious pollination method: the tips of the stamens rest in little pockets on the petals that serve as tripwires for bees and beetles. The movement of these insects causes the stamens to pull loose and whip back onto the insect, covering it with pollen. Find mountain laurels that the Arboretum has planted in Fern Valley, or find others growing wild in the Azalea and Asian Collections.

Kamala Codrington-White, an Agricultural Science Research Technician at the National Arboretum, shares plants of note at the Arboretum in this recurring segment. Find these plants on your next trip to the Arboretum. Top photo by the National Arboretum.

Have you ever taken a moment to rest on one of the teak benches nestled beside a trail or under a tree at the Arboretum? These commemorative benches not only offer respite to visitors, they also honor loved ones or a special occasion. Each bench is tax deductible and has a custom engraved plaque. A single term is 15 years, though donors can choose to extend this.

While there are available bench locations all over the Arboretum, some new locations have recently opened in the National Herb Garden. These locations are centrally located and easily accessible.

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May Member Picnic

Saturday, May 17, 12 PM - 2 PM

Casual member picnic in the Ellipse Meadow

Extended Evening Hours

Friday, May 30, 5 PM - 8 PM

Arboretum grounds day open to the public

Under the Arbor: Herbs that Rock!

Saturday, May 31, 1 PM - 3 PM

Drop-in program in the National Herb Garden

Hosted by USNA and Mid-Atlantic units of Herb Society of America

Community Fishing

Friday, June 20, 5 PM - 8 PM

Free fishing along the Anacostia

Save the date — registration coming soon

Extended Evening Hours

Friday, June 20, 5 PM - 8 PM

Arboretum grounds day open to the public