I grew up in central Florida and as a
child, we had plenty of fireflies. We
would collect them in jars and make our own lanterns. My husband grew up in a
suburb of Chicago, but spent a lot of summer with family in Michigan. They also
had a lot of fireflies. Homemade glow
sticks were a summer tradition. Yes, they would mush and smear the tail of
fireflies all over sticks.
We are on our annual family vacation to
the mountains and there are fireflies everywhere. This is the only place my
eleven year old has ever seen them. We do not have any in central Florida or
anywhere we have traveled other than the Smoky Mountains. So, of course, my
curious child said…”Mom, where did they all go?”
This is what I found… development and light
pollution (yes, we have too many lights!). Humans are believed to disrupt
firefly habitat also. The more our
population grows in areas, the less fireflies are seen. Our open fields and forests are being paved
over, and our waterways are seeing more development. Logging, pollution and
increased use of pesticides may also contribute to destroying firefly habitat
and natural prey.
I am
working an a firefly unit and will post it soon!
Maybe too many of us smooshed them for glow sticks! oops
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Jessica Stanford
Mrs. Stanford's Class
I hope that you'll join me for my giveaway ♥
When I was a kid, we made beautiful rings! :-) I'm your newest follower.
ReplyDeleteimgoingfirst@gmail.com
Penny, I'm happy to share the Versatile Blogging award with you over at Kindergarten's 3 R's- LOVE you photos and blog and am looking forward to adding it to my blogroll.
ReplyDeleteHope you're having a wonderful summer!
Michaele
Post is "Six Years of Versatile Blogging" http://kidney-garden.blogspot.com/2012/07/six-years-of-versatile-blogging.html
Thank you, Michaele! :)
ReplyDeleteI used to catch them and put them in mason jars. After a bit I would set them free! I love watching fireflies!
ReplyDeleteAmy
Where Seconds Count 2nd grade blog
You're Awesome!!http://fcsandthensome.blogspot.com/2012/07/versitile-blogger.html
ReplyDeleteThank you, Sarah!
ReplyDelete