Led by Ranger Raven Patrick, this evening talk dives deep into the invertebrate world around us and teaches you to be less afraid of the creepy crawlies in your yard.

Raven will explain what insects are, teach us how to identify insects, and explain their role in our ecosystems! Time will be dedicated to learning insect anatomy, practicing identifying insects to general orders, and understanding the unique insects we have in the Monument.

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Raven Patrick has a bachelor’s in biology from Colorado Mesa University and is pursuing her master’s in entomology from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln. She has traveled to many diverse ecosystems all the way from the Alaskan wilderness to the Amazon Rainforest. Raven began her career as an intern last season, working for CNMA and the NPS. Now she is finishing this season as an NPS Interpretation Park Ranger! Her hope is to research the role insects have in preserving our natural world, as well as the role insects play in helping forensic investigations. She is excited to share her insect knowledge with the world!

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