Big Muddy Speaker Series Feb. 2025

Missouri River Relief’s Big Muddy Speaker Series, hosted by Greenway Network
7 p.m. presentation (6 p.m. social hour) at Bike Stop Cafe, 701 S Riverside Drive, St. Charles, MO 63301

For the Love of Bugs, by Biologist and Master Naturalist Devan Rupel

It’s nearly Valentine’s Day! As we trade cards denoting our love for one another, we must also consider where love is lacking in our lives, namely some commonly misunderstood tiny friends: bugs! There is truly nothing more romantic than bugs. From the shellac on our chocolates, to the mites in our eyelashes exchanged in “butterfly kisses”, bedbugs, lovebugs, and kissing bugs- it’s hard to argue that this holiday should not be dedicated to them!

In this presentation, Devan Rupel will share her favorite bug facts and finds of the year and grant listeners a new perspective to deepen their appreciation for the creatures working day and night to bring them food, medical advancements, and healthy soil. We often focus on developing appreciation for pollinators that create food for humans, but neglect some of the strangely fascinating things that we can learn about the environment around us through nature’s more curious Valentines.

Insects incite strong feelings in all of us. Disgust and fear tend to reign supreme in this conversation. Still, by shifting our perspective, we can turn fear into fascination and grow closer to the most immediate natural world around us. Come get to know who’s visiting your porch light and what creepy crawlies may be rummaging around in your basement. Bring your burning bug questions and braveness as you’ll have the opportunity to meet Giant Hissing Cockroaches (they’re friendly) and munch a cricket cookie!