Moccasin Lake Nature Park in Clearwater will host a free guided night hike on nocturnal pollinators Thursday, Oct. 8. The program covers moths, bats and other creatures that pollinate Florida plants after dark.

Andrea Andersen, recreation supervisor at the city-owned preserve at 2750 Park Trail Lane, will lead an indoor presentation followed by a walk through the park. The evening is the monthly meeting of the Pinellas chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society (FNPS), which has gathered at Moccasin Lake since 2014. The event is open to everyone, according to the Eventbrite listing. A start time was not posted as of Oct. 4; check the Eventbrite page for updates.

Andersen, formerly the nature preserve supervisor at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve and an adjunct professor at Eckerd College, told Bay Soundings she has been leading night walks for more than a decade. "I've been doing these walks for 10 or 12 years because I've always been interested in what goes on outside at night," she said.

Nocturnal insects are busier than many people assume. Insect activity is 31% higher at night than during the day, with the gap wider in warm climates, according to a study in the journal Nature cited by Bay Soundings.

During the hike, Andersen plans to set up illuminated white sheets to attract moths and other nocturnal insects so participants can observe them up close. She recommends attendees bring comfortable walking shoes, insect repellent and a flashlight, preferably one with a red-light option.

Andersen also offered tips for residents who want to draw nocturnal pollinators to their own yards. She said reducing artificial light, cutting back on pesticides and planting native species with white or light-colored flowers and strong scents can help. Florida-friendly options include moonflower, evening cut leaf primrose, saltbush and native grapevines, which serve as food for hawk moth caterpillars.

The program fits into a broader pollinator push by the city. Clearwater completed the National Wildlife Federation's Mayors' Monarch Pledge in January 2026, and the preserve hosted the Great Southeast Pollinator Census in August, according to the city's sustainability page.

Attendees can register through Eventbrite or call Moccasin Lake Nature Park at (727) 544-7341. The FNPS Pinellas chapter meets monthly at the preserve; no November program has been announced.