Tag Archives: Entomology

MSU Bug House Announces Six-Legged Saturdays beginning Jan. 17

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By WKTV Staff
greer@wktv.org


Michigan State University’s Bug House, managed by the Department of Entomology, is launching Six-Legged Saturdays as a new addition to its public programming following a successful crowdfunding effort supported by a significant contribution from the Great Lakes Entomological Society. 

The family-friendly events will take place on the third Saturday of each month and will run alongside the Bug House’s existing monthly open houses, both of which are free and open to the public. “With Six-Legged Saturdays, we are able to provide additional free opportunities for folks to visit the Bug House at family-friendly times,” said Amanda Lorenz, director of the Bug House. Programming will include an insect-themed story time led by Entomology Department Chair Hannah Burrack and hands-on, bug-inspired crafts.

The goal of Six-Legged Saturdays is to introduce young audiences to science in a fun and engaging way while fostering curiosity about insects. “The Bug House provides a welcoming environment in which to learn about insects with opportunities to safely interact with live bugs,” Lorenz said.

 

Live insect handling during Six-Legged Saturdays is completely optional, and participants may choose activities that do not involve close contact with the live insects housed at the Bug House. 


Michigan State University Bug House 2026. (Photo Courtesy, MSU)


“Insects are a wonderful way to engage people in learning about nature and science because everyone has some feeling about them. Folks may be fascinated, fearful, or grossed out, and this helps drive them to learn more!” Burrack said. “My hope is that expanding Bug House programming to weekends will allow more community members to attend, particularly those who cannot attend our weekday and evening events.” 

In addition to the new programming, the Bug House will continue to offer its regular monthly open houses on the second Monday of each month from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Visitors of all ages are invited to explore live insects and arachnids and learn more about their ecological importance. 


Michigan State University Bug House 2026. (Photo Courtesy, MSU)



The first Six-Legged Saturday will be held Saturday, Jan. 17, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Click here for directions to the Bug House. 

Free public parking is available on campus during weekends. Lot 7, located adjacent to the Natural Science building, is the closest parking to the Bug House and can be accessed from West Circle Drive. 


Michigan State University Bug House Director Amanda Lorenz. (Photo Courtesy, MSU)

MSU Horticulture Gardens will be abuzz with Bee-Palooza on June 24th

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Photos courtesy MSU Department of Entomology

 

By Julianna Wilson, MSU Department of Entomology

 

MSU Bee Palooza is held annually In celebration of National Pollinator Week in the lovely MSU Horticulture Gardens.

 

This free, fun and education event is organized by volunteers to provide an afternoon of interactive activities centered on understanding the wonderful world of pollinators. Stations are set up around the gardens and can be visited in any order. On display are active honeybee and bumblebee colonies, examples of wild Michigan bees and wild bee hotels, plants and gardening practices to support pollinators, as well as demonstrations about how important bees are to food production. Guided wild bee tours and other hands-on activities are offered throughout the afternoon event.

 

Why hold a Bee Palooza?

Worldwide reports and concerns about pollinator declines have increased awareness and interest in pollinators and what humans can do to help. In 2012, the United States established a National Pollinator Week, which inspired members of the MSU Department of Entomology to host the first Bee Palooza in the MSU Horticulture Gardens.

 

What are pollinators and why are they important?

Pollinators — especially bees — play an important role in the production of many seeds, nuts and fruits. Pollination is the transfer of  pollen grains to fertilizer the seed-producing ovaries of flowers. Many trees, shrubs and wildflowers also depend on bees and other animals for pollination.

  • When: Sunday, June 24, 2018
  • Time: 1-4pm
  • Where: Michigan State University, 336 Village Dr, East Lansing, MI 48823, United States

For more info, go here. For the map, go here.

 

Pollinators & Pollination At MSU

Michigan is a leader in honey production and in many pollination-dependent fruit and vegetable crops. MSU Extension provides the latest information on pollinators and pollination including fact sheets from the Smart Gardening Program, webinars, educational seminars, email newsletters, and other online resources. Visit the Michigan Pollinator Initiative website for more information and resources for beekeepers, growers, and home gardeners.