2026 Guided Hikes: Bounty of Bugs
August 1 @ 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
$15
Join CRLC for an educational outing discovering the bounty of insect life at the Varina LandLab Conservation Area on Saturday, August 1 from 10:00am – 12:00pm with nature educator and Lepidopterist, Clara Aus!
ABOUT THE HIKE
Native flowering plants provide essential habitat and/or food for a fascinating diversity of native insects. Join Lepidopterist and nature educator, Clara Aus, for a hike around the Varina LandLab Conservation Area to search for insect species and discuss the various roles they play in the ecosystem – predator, prey, pollinator, decomposer, parasite, and more! On the way, you’ll take photos and use Clara’s field guides to identify what you find in real time.
ABOUT THE SITE
The Varina LandLab Conservation Area is a 353-acre public land located in eastern Henrico County and owned and stewarded by Capital Region Land Conservancy. The park features three trailheads located off Deep Bottom Road providing nearly five miles of trails through meadows, grasslands and along pine forests with views of the James River and Four Mile Creek. Visitors will also enjoy educational signage, benches and picnic tables, and a site-specific art installation by environmental sculptor, Reece Camp Carter.
ABOUT THE GUIDE:
Clara Aus is an insect expert and nature educator based in Richmond, VA. She is the Butterfly Exhibit Manager at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. She teaches courses for adults and children, with topics ranging from pollinator gardening to medicinal plants, to butterfly pinning and display. Specializing in Lepidoptera, Clara combines her scientific knowledge and access to primary peer-reviewed research studies with easy-to-understand lessons and activities to inspire a deeper understanding of nature. Her goal is to help others observe and connect with nature so we can all do a better job of restoring and supporting the living world around us.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Registration: $15
- Advance registration is required.
- Space is limited to 20.
- Directions and waiver will be emailed to attendees upon registration.
REGISTER NOW!
QUESTIONS
804.745.3110 or Christina@capitalregionland.org