Come observe, identify, and learn about local moths! Join the Catskill Center, ecological photographer and moth enthusiast Carla Rhodes, and the family behind Peekskill’s first-ever Mothapalooza for an evening celebrating the fascinating and often overlooked world of moths. Together, participants will help document the incredible diversity of moths found at the Catskills Visitor Center through a community moth survey, using lights to attract moths and recording the species observed throughout the evening.
Date: July 17, 2026 (rain date July 19th)
Time: 8:00 PM- 10:00 PM
Location: The Catskills Visitor Center
Inspired by a community event created by young moth advocate Irene Lindberg and her family during National Moth Week, Mothapalooza in the Catskills brings together education, observation, and a shared appreciation for these remarkable nocturnal insects. Moths are some of our most important pollinators and play a vital role in healthy ecosystems, yet they are often misunderstood and overlooked.
The evening will begin with an engaging presentation by Carla Rhodes, who will introduce participants to the kaleidoscopic world of moths through her stunning backyard moth photography. Carla will share why moths are essential to our environment, how to create moth-friendly outdoor spaces, and the basics of “mothing,” including simple techniques for attracting and observing moths at home. Learn the secrets of the “moth mafia” and discover the incredible diversity, beauty, and ecological importance of these nighttime winged wonders.
As darkness falls, participants will head outside for a live mothing observation session. Using illuminated sheets and lights to attract local species, attendees will have the opportunity to observe, photograph, and help identify moths up close while learning more about their life cycles, behaviors, and role in the ecosystem. Whether you're a longtime naturalist or completely new to mothing, this hands-on experience offers a unique chance to connect with nature after dark!
Advanced registration is required. This is a free event with a suggested donation of $10.
(Photo Credit above: Carla Rhodes)
About Carla Rhodes:
Carla Rhodes is a photographer based in the Catskill Mountains of New York, drawn to themes of visibility, wonder, and ecological intimacy, primarily focused on exploring her immediate surroundings. Her work has been published in The Washington Post, The New York Times, The Guardian, and The Wall Street Journal, and in 2023 she received a New York Emmy Award for her featured role in The Verge's "How to Photograph Wildlife You Can't See."