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Often overlooked in favor of their daytime counterparts, moths and their caterpillars are the unsung champions of our local ecosystems. While North America boasts thousands more moth species than butterflies, these nocturnal pollinators are vital links in the food web, converting plant energy into life for countless other animals.
In this course, we delve into the fascinating findings of recent biodiversity surveys at Mt. Cuba Center—including the discovery of 693 species and 25 new state records for Delaware. Participants will learn why moths are the ultimate “specialists” and how their survival depends on specific host-plant requirements.
We will move beyond science and into your own backyard with actionable conservation strategies. From identifying keystone plant species to creating “soft landings” for overwintering pupae, you will discover how to transform your garden into a thriving sanctuary for these diverse and beautiful insects.
What You’ll Learn:
- The Power of Pollinators: Understand the critical ecological roles moths play as both pollinators and essential food sources.
- Local Biodiversity Insights: Explore the data from Mt. Cuba’s iNaturalist project and Sarver Ecological surveys.
- Native Gardening for Specialists: Identify host plants and keystone species that support specialized caterpillar populations.
- Moth-Friendly Lighting: Learn how to minimize light pollution using LED, downward-facing, and yellow-wavelength bulbs.
- Creating Habitats: Master the art of “leaving the leaves” to provide safe overwintering sites in the soil and leaf litter.
Take part in our flexible online learning offerings. Join live to participate in our online learning community or watch after as your schedule allows. All registrants will receive a recording of the class with access to view the class for 30 days after the live session.
This program takes place online Wednesday, August 12, 2026.
🥬 Certificate of Attendance for Continuing Education Units (CEUs) available
🥬 New class
🥬 Online
About the Instructor:
Matt Sarver is a leader in Mid-Atlantic biodiversity conservation, especially in the role of public and private conservation landowners in supporting species conservation. Matt has worked in conservation planning at all scales, from site to watershed to statewide. He has special expertise in pollinators and insect biodiversity, highlighted by a landmark native bee survey at Mt. Cuba Center and multi-year biodiversity assessments at Chanticleer Garden. His work on the Pittsburgh Botanic Garden Master Plan 2025 was recognized as a Project of Merit by Pennsylvania / Delaware ASLA. Matt has more than 20 years of field experience in ecology, wildlife biology, botany, entomology, herpetology, and land management.
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