Yes! Mega Moth is designed with both the hobbyists and hardcore enthusiasts in mind; so, whether you are just starting to notice caterpillars and moths, or you’ve been setting up your own moth sheet and lights at home for a decade, we will have activities for you. We will also have butterfly, bird and plant walks + talks, in case you’re not interested in staying up too late.

Primitive camping will be allowed this year, i.e. primarily tent and personal vehicle. Campers will have access to a communal campfire, restrooms and a single shower that does not have hot water (although we don’t expect that to be a problem in September. If you have an RV, there are several parks nearby with hookups to accommodate these vehicles. Download Camping Liability Form.

Unfortunately, our regular rules apply at this event. That means no smoking, for example, and no pets. Unlike the federal, state and municipal or county entities that operate refuges, parks and nature centers, we do not have sovereign immunity that protects us from liability should something happen to or by a pet on the property. For this reason, only official service animals will be permitted, in compliance with state and federal law.

No, you do not have to sign up for published, daily activities. You are free to join them, or not. We know there will be night owls and daytime adventurers present, and have attempted to craft an array of options that appeal to both.

We will have numerous mothing rigs (sheets and lights) set up at the Center each night, but if you have a portable moth sheet and frame, and a light that is battery operated, you’re welcome to set up in one of our designated mothing areas. Bring a flashlight to illuminate moths on the sheet for viewing, as well as a camera to make records of moths and other nocturnal insects. Pack binoculars and a camera to enhance your bird, butterfly, and plant walks. You can also bring field guides, but we’ll have helpers on site who know the wildlife at the Center and can assist with identifications.

Based upon our experience, it is. Over the years, we’ve had community camp outs, the annual Girl Scouts Sleep Over Under the Stars, the Sierra Club Veteran’s Outdoors program camp out and others. Since our property borders the io Grande and Mexico, you may see an abundance of law enforcement officers, including U.S. Border Patrol agents in cars, in helicopters, on horseback, on ATV and motorized dirt bikes, and even bicycles.

Families with children are welcome at Mega Moth. Since almost all scheduled activities will take place at the National Butterfly Center, families may act and move together. The full registration fee must be paid for all children 12 and older, and all children under age 18 must be supervised by a parent or legal guardian at all times.