How Parks Can Ensure Fireflies Continue to Shine Bright — April Bonus Episode

Disclaimer: Today’s episode was previously recorded and focuses
on how parks can help save fireflies, which is the cover story of
the April issue of Parks & Recreation magazine. We recognize
some of the topics discussed on this episode are more difficult
to implement at this time during the COVID-19 pandemic, but we
hope you find the topic interesting and that it will give you
some ideas for the future. If nothing else, you'll learn some
fascinating facts about fireflies! We also want you to know that
NRPA is actively monitoring developments around the current
COVID-19 pandemic and how it is impacting parks and recreation —
head to our Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) web page for
the most up-to-date information on our response, as well as
resources from NRPA, health organizations and federal agencies


The April issue of Parks & Recreation magazine is out now,
and on this bonus episode of Open Space Radio, we’re diving
deeper into the feature article, “Can Parks Help Save Fireflies?”
We’re joined by the author, and editor-at-large for Parks &
Recreation, Richard J. Dolesh, as well as Michele White, an NRPA
conservation program manager, to talk about the current threat to
the firefly species. And, whether you call them fireflies or
lightning bugs, one thing is certain: they need our help.


There are about 2,000 species of fireflies worldwide, and
approximately 170 species are found in the United States.
Currently, the greatest threats to these species are loss of
habitat, light pollution and the use of certain pesticides, but
there are ways that parks can become more “firefly friendly” and
help save the future of these species. On this episode, we
discuss some current projects in parks around the country that
are helping educate the public about fireflies, as well as some
things that parks can do to help stifle the threat to the
species, including:


Mowing grasslands and meadow habitat in rotational strips or
a mosaic pattern (this is great for pollinators, too)

Creating more meadows and more edge habitat, and leaving a
grass buffer strip around forest edges

Trying to create more moisture year-round, if possible.

Planting green infrastructure areas with pollinators and
fireflies in mind

Leaving forested areas natural — allow for more leaf litter
and leave downed trees in place, as this is where firefly larvae
are typically found

Evaluating your outdoor lighting and reducing light-spread,
if possible, in high-quality habitat areas



Of course, thinking of fireflies tends to bring a sense of
nostalgia, so Rich and Michele each share some of their earliest
memories and discuss how the joy of seeing fireflies is often a
person’s first vivid memory of connecting with nature. And while
the days of running around trying to catch fireflies in mason
jars may be behind us (it is strongly advised against, nowadays),
we talk about how there are still safe, responsible ways to
appreciate our illuminated friends of the night. We also talk
about how educating kids about fireflies can be a great catalyst
for starting a lifelong appreciation of the outdoors and
relationship with nature.


Other useful resources discussed in this
episode:


NRPA’s Parks for Pollinators


Parks for Pollinators BioBlitz


International Dark Sky Association


Xerces Society


Conserving the Jewels of the Night


iNaturalist