There’s a whole world that wakes up after sunset and most of us sleep right through it. This summer, we’re staying up for it.
Join us for Moth Ball 2026, an evening with the quiet, clever, criminally underrated pollinators who keep our ecosystems running long after the bees have called it a night. Co-sponsored by Grow Native Massachusetts, the event features entomologist Teá Montagna, who specializes in Lepidoptera — the order that includes both moths and butterflies. With her expert eye to guide us, we’ll explore the surprising diversity of moths living right in our own backyards.
Arrive at sunset for a tour of the garden led by Leisha Johnson of GardensByTheYard.com, who designed and tends this 1.5-acre former turf lawn, now a thriving habitat that shows the power of rewilding in action. Then, as night falls, we’ll set up light traps and white sheets to draw in a wide range of moth species for an up-close look. Bring a camera and you can photograph and document your sightings on iNaturalist, turning a night in the garden into real biodiversity data.
What to bring to our Moth Ball 2026
– A camera or cell phone
– Bug repellent — you’ll be outdoors after dark
– A flashlight — for finding your way and spotting caterpillars
– Your curiosity and a willingness to look a little closer
Event Schedule
– Sunset (~8:10 PM) — Arrive; gardens open
– 8:15 PM — Garden tour with Leisha Johnson
– 8:45 PM — The Moth Ball commences (light traps & sheets)
– 11:00 PM — Official close of events
Additional Information
– Registration is required — reserve your spot right here on this page. Space is limited to 70 guests.
– Parking details will be provided upon registration.
– Admission is free; donations are welcome to help support future events.
Capacity: 70 guests. Registration closes once we reach 70. As last year, admission is free and donations are optional — any amount up to $20, collected at registration, goes directly toward future events.