Why Fly When You Can Walk With Flies

Stay that hand before you swat one of these two-winged wonders! We humans harbor too many fears and misconceptions about our friends, the flies. Sure, some of them can cause trouble, but can you think of one creature on earth that can’t? Like our fellow humans, there are thousands of flies out there ready to help us thrive on this beautiful planet.

If you’d like to learn more about these fascinating beauties who are essential to life on earth, join Chocorua Lake Conservancy and Cook Memorial Library on Saturday, July 22, from 10 a.m. to noon, for “Why Fly When You Can Walk With Flies” in Chocorua. Educator and insect enthusiast

Linda Graetz will share her knowledge about the basics of how to identify flies: patience, close observation, and describing what you see are the most important skills you’ll need.

Linda will lead participants in looking for all kinds of flies, keeping eyes peeled for ones that featured on Linda’s 7/18 Zoom (see below). The group also will be looking for other insects, especially the pollinator insects — bees, wasps, and ants — that some flies mimic, as well as insects that some flies eat.

Wear sunscreen, long pants, and close-toed shoes, and bring water, tick/ mosquito repellant, and a magnifying glass if you have one.

The free outdoor program is limited to 20 participants who must register in advance at bit.ly/CLC-072223 or via www.chocorualake.org/events. Children eight and older are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult.

Linda also is offering a program via Zoom in advance of the walk, “Meet the Friendly Flies,” on Tuesday, July 18, at 7 p.m. Register at bit.ly/CLC071823. Those unable to attend the Zoom will be able to view it with a link posted between July 18 and 22 at bit.ly/ CLC-friendly-flies.

Linda Graetz spent 30 years in museum and art education and has been an avid birder since the late 1970s. Upon retirement, she turned most of her attention to nature, training as a teacher/ naturalist at Mass Audubon’s Drumlin Farm. She taught there for more than 10 years, and it was through her work at the farm that she became interested in insects.

This event is one in a series of Chocorua Lake Conservancy programs taking place throughout the year to encourage people of all ages to enjoy Chocorua Lake and the trails and woods that surround it and to learn more about the natural world. Visit www.chocorualake.org for more information, and follow the organization on Facebook and Instagram.