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‘Insect walk’ along C&O on tap

By Staff | Aug 26, 2011

The Potomac Valley Audubon Society will sponsor an evening “insect walk” along the C&O Canal across from Shepherdstown on Saturday, Sept. 10.

The walk will be led by local insect expert Wil Hershberger, who is coauthor of “The Songs of Insects,” a book and audio CD published by Houghton-Mifflin Company.

These free walks are family-oriented events that are especially popular with young children but anyone with an interest is welcome to participate.

However, space will be limited, so those who would like to participate should make a reservation as soon as possible by contacting Kelly Wolf at khel dreth@hotmail.com or 304-229-6229.

The walking group will assemble at 6:30 p.m. the large C&O Canal parking lot on Canal Road, three-tenths of a mile south of the Shepherdstown bridge.

From there, Hershberger will lead an exploration of fields and roadsides near the Canal. Insects likely to be encountered include tree crickets, several species of meadow katydids, one or two species of round-winged katydids, northern true katydids, oblong-wing katydids and perhaps some bush katydids.

Those who wish to participate should bring a flashlight and be prepared to walk through high grass and weeds. Tucking pants legs into socks and spraying them with a DEET-based insect repellent is recommended.

The walk will not take place if it is raining.

Hershberger’s website can be found at sounds.com.