National Be Nice to Bugs Day

It’s National Be Nice to Bugs Day!

Every day people are mean to bugs just for simply being themselves and TODAY is a great day to take a moment to appreciate the invaluable roll bugs play on our natural environment and to teach our little ones to do the same!  This special day is dedicated to appreciating and protecting the small but mighty creatures that play a crucial role in our ecosystems.  Outdoor Chattanooga, Natural Resources and City Water Quality will have activities open to all ages to learn more about macroinvertibrates and bugs!

Come learn about:
Why are bugs so important to our natural environment?
What kind of bugs can we find in our parks?
Pollinators, parasites and predators do wonderful work.

Why Celebrate Bugs?

• Pollinators: Many bugs, like bees and butterflies, help pollinate plants, which is essential for growing fruits, vegetables, and flowers.
• Decomposers: Insects like beetles and ants break down dead plants and animals, recycling nutrients back into the soil.
• Food Source: Bugs are a critical part of the food web, serving as food for birds, reptiles, and other wildlife.
• Pest Control: Predatory insects, such as ladybugs and dragonflies, help keep pest populations in check.

How You Can Participate:

1. Create a Bug-Friendly Garden: Plant native flowers and avoid using pesticides to create a safe haven for bugs.
2. Build a Bug Hotel: Provide shelter for beneficial insects by constructing a bug hotel in your backyard.
3. Educate Others: Share fun facts about bugs with your friends and family to spread awareness about their importance.
4. Join a Local Event: Look for community events, nature walks, and workshops that focus on bugs and their habitats.
5. Be Mindful: Practice kindness by carefully observing and protecting bugs in their natural environment.

Fun Bug Facts:

• A single honeybee can visit up to 5,000 flowers in one day!
• Ladybugs can eat up to 5,000 aphids in their lifetime.
• There are over 1 million known species of insects, making up about 80% of all known animal species.

Let’s make a positive impact on our environment by appreciating the tiny creatures that contribute so much to our world. Happy National Be Nice to Bugs Day!

No need to register, just show up! Drop-in event

Download Be Nice to Bugs Bingo

Don Eaves Heritage House Arts – 1428 Jenkins Rd

For questions or more information call Outdoor Chattanooga at (423) 643-6888 or email us at info@outdoorchattanooga.com.