Flight of the Firefly

As part of my class, Changing Views of Nature in American Literature, we have to find an event to participate in on Earth Day, April 22. In my internet searching, I decided to check out what was happening at The Museum of Science. They seem to be all about making it Earth Day every day. I found info. on ways they are "greening" the museum which was interesting, but not helpful in my quest for an Earth Day activity to participate in.

"A little light is going by, is going up to see the sky..." -Elizabeth Madox Roberts

While looking through their Special Programs list, I came across "Firefly Day" and "Firefly Watch" which peaked my interest. It seems that fireflies are disappearing. Alarming and sad to say the least. On Saturday, April 11, the museum will host Firefly Day, a day to celebrate fireflies, learn more about them, talk to scientist studying fireflies, and participate in Firefly activities.

While at the museum on Firefly Day, there will be an opportunity to sign-up to participate in Firefly Watch. You may also sign-up for Firefly Watch online. Firefly Watch is a Nation Wide effort, not limited to Massachusetts.

I never could have thought of it,
To have a little bug all lit
And made to go on wings.
~Elizabeth Madox Roberts, "Firefly"

I don't want to have to imagine a world without fireflies. One of my favorite songs when I was little had the refrain... "would you like to swing on a star, carry moonbeams home in a jar, and be better off than you are... or would you rather be a pig?" I always thought of the moonbeams in a jar as fireflies and I NEVER wanted to be a pig.