Delicate Details: Up Close and Personal With Insects

Join us to explore the fascinating world of insects through hands-on experiences. This engaging event features two components: an insect pinning workshop, where nature enthusiasts will learn the art and science behind preparing specimens for scientific collections, and a live insect bioblitz in a native plant garden. Participants will observe and document local insect species in their natural habitat. No prior knowledge is needed, making this a perfect opportunity for curious minds to gain insight into entomology. Attendees can construct their own pinning board or help with the education display being created for the Field Station.

Designed for ages 16 and older, this event promises an immersive look at the tiny yet intricate creatures that shape our ecosystems. All supplies will be provided. The program will also include time for some special appreciation for the volunteers who conduct monthly bee and butterfly surveys at the native plant garden.

 Logistics: The parking area next to the garden enables attendees with mobility devices to participate. The classroom is accessible. A restroom is located onsite.  Pinning specimens will be provided by the instructor using insects who have ‘donated themselves to science’ (no live capture for pinning purposes is necessary by the participants).

About the Instructors:

Robin P. Marquez (he/him/his)

Robin Marquez is an entomologist and insect ecologist with the University of Central Florida specializing in Hymenoptera (bees, wasps, ants, and sawflies). In addition to serving as Assistant Curator of the university’s Collection of Arthropods, he studies the biodiversity and ecology of micro-parasitoid wasps. He has received additional entomology training from the National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution and has conducted research in a variety of habitats including tropical, agricultural, and suburban landscapes. Through his work, Robin has seen hobbyist entomology used as a tool to advance real-world science, and is eager to support new insect enthusiasts in their collection journeys!

Emily Surmont (she/her/hers)

Emily Surmont is a coastal ecologist with the Indian River Lagoon Aquatic Preserves, where she has worked for the last 5 years on a variety of research, conservation, restoration, and outreach projects. She received her BS in Environmental Science from Broward College and is currently working towards her MS in Fisheries and Aquatic Science at the University of Florida in the Coastal Ecosystems and Watersheds Lab. Emily is a Pollinator Partnership Certified Pollinator Steward and has been leading the FDEP Titusville Native Plant Pollinator Garden project since September 2021, recently expanding the project to encourage pollinator monitoring collaboration throughout the IRL.