In a delightful twist on the traditional Halloween festivities, the VISTA Gardens in Carrollwood, Florida, hosted a unique event that aimed to foster a newfound appreciation for the often-overlooked world of insects. Dubbed "Creepy Crawlies in the Garden," the free event on October 19th invited kids and families to explore the fascinating lives of bugs, dispelling the notion that they are merely "creepy crawlies" to be feared.

Uncovering the Wonders of the Insect World

Bugs as Vital Ecosystem Players

The driving force behind the event was to educate children on the crucial role that insects play in our delicate ecosystem. As Nicole Jagusztyn, the VISTA Gardens Education Committee chair, eloquently stated, "Bugs play a vital role in our ecosystem, so kids should learn how they're important and not just gross." This sentiment underscored the event's primary objective – to shift the perception of bugs from mere pests to essential contributors to the natural world.To achieve this, the organizers enlisted the expertise of the USF Agroecology Lab, led by Dr. Esteli Jimenez-Soto. The lab brought in live specimens, including the captivating Bess Beetles, allowing brave participants to hold and interact with these fascinating creatures. The USF team, dressed as "mad scientists," also led a bug bingo event, encouraging families to explore the garden and identify a diverse array of insects.

Hands-On Exploration and Edible Delights

In addition to the live bug displays, the event offered a range of engaging activities for the young attendees. Families could create their own bug-themed crafts using clothespins or paint river rocks to capture the essence of their newfound insect friends. For the more adventurous, the event featured a unique opportunity – the chance to try edible insects.Forever Friends, a local organization, provided dried crickets for the brave souls willing to take the plunge and sample these crunchy delicacies. Those who dared to try were rewarded with a free book, further reinforcing the educational aspect of the event. For those seeking a more conventional bug-themed snack, the Iron Chef Core team offered a vegan dirt pie with gummy worms and a refreshing bug juice.

Dispelling the Fear of the Creepy Crawlies

The event's primary goal was to challenge the common perception of insects as inherently "creepy" or "scary." As Jagusztyn explained, "The goal was to teach kids that the creepy crawlies we find all around us aren't so scary!" By providing hands-on experiences and educational opportunities, the organizers aimed to foster a newfound respect and appreciation for the diverse world of bugs.The Tampa Bay Butterfly Foundation further contributed to this mission by bringing in a live tarantula and scorpion, allowing visitors to observe these often-misunderstood creatures up close. This exposure, coupled with the informative displays and interactive activities, helped to demystify the "creepy crawlies" and showcase their importance in the natural order.

A Buggy Celebration of Nature's Unsung Heroes

The Creepy Crawlies in the Garden event in Carrollwood was a resounding success, offering a unique and engaging way for kids and families to learn about the fascinating world of insects. By challenging the traditional perceptions of bugs and highlighting their vital role in our ecosystem, the organizers succeeded in fostering a newfound appreciation for these often-overlooked creatures.Through hands-on experiences, educational demonstrations, and even the opportunity to sample edible insects, the event provided a delightful and informative celebration of nature's unsung heroes. As the community embraced the "creepy crawlies" with open arms, the event served as a testament to the power of education and the importance of cultivating a deeper understanding of the natural world around us.