The Texas Master Naturalist Hill Country Chapter will host its monthly meeting Aug. 24, featuring a presentation on fireflies found across Texas and the threats facing the insects.
The public is invited to attend the meeting in person at Herff Farm, 33 Herff Road in Boerne, or online through Zoom and a Facebook livestream. There is no charge to attend.
Doors will open at 6 p.m. with light refreshments. The chapter’s monthly business meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m., followed by the presentation at 7 p.m.
Ben Pfeiffer, founder of Firefly Conservation & Research, will present “Luminous Landscapes: Fireflies in the Heart of Texas.”
Pfeiffer’s presentation will examine firefly species found in Texas and across the United States, including species found in nearby river basins and riparian areas. He will discuss why fireflies flash, how they use light to attract mates and threats that have contributed to declining firefly populations in parts of the country.
The presentation will also cover ways landowners can help support firefly populations, including certifying property as firefly habitat and growing native plants.
Pfeiffer founded Firefly Conservation & Research, a conservation and educational organization focused on protecting fireflies and their habitats through education, research and conservation efforts. His research focuses on Texas and North American firefly species, including their life cycles, preferred habitats and flash patterns.
He is a member of the International Union for Conservation of Nature Firefly Working Group and has worked with organizations including the Xerces Society, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Texas Master Naturalist chapters, The Nature Conservancy, land trusts, commissions and private landowners.
Pfeiffer studied biology at Texas State University and is a certified Master Naturalist.
The Texas Master Naturalist Hill Country Chapter is a volunteer organization sponsored by Texas Parks and Wildlife and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension. The chapter is one of 48 in Texas and serves 10 counties, including Bandera, Edwards, Gillespie, Kendall, Kerr, Kimble, Mason, Menard, Real and San Saba.
The chapter provides training in natural resource management and opportunities for volunteers to participate in community projects.
More information about the chapter and membership is available at Texas Master Naturalist Hill Country Chapter. Those wishing to attend the meeting by Zoom can preregister through the Zoom registration page.
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