One of our most popular projects is back- the annual praying mantis egg case collection! Each spring, we mow the meadows to generate new growth from the seed bank. We need to intervene and do our part by removing these nests prior to mowing. This is the ultimate conservation project! We will have an enclosed large wooden box to place the egg cases in. Are you up for the challenge? These nests are greatly camouflaged and the collection often becomes a competition. Let’s see how many we can get this year- whichever team collects the most nests will receive a prize! Following the spring mow, the nests will be set back out in the fields for hatching.

Volunteers trekking through the fields on the lookout for praying mantis nests, 2025

 

WHAT TO BRING/FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS:

• Clothing: long pants, long sleeves, hiking boots and high socks
• Hat/sunglasses
• Water bottle/snack