I am 5 years old running across the front lawn surrounded by yellow dancing lights. I carefully beckon the sparkles to my glass jar. Once caught, I stare at the wonder, only to let them go free out in the world again. Yes, these are firefly memories. 

Do others have this same memory? I fear future generations will not.

These magical bugs used to be abundant in dank forests and marshes, and yes, neighborhood yards. The summer environment invited them with humid air, grassy weeds, and standing water. These natural spaces are harder to find as communities are being poured, by what seems to be drunken sailors, with pavement, streetlights, and lawn chemicals. No thought to the eroding natural environment.   

The firefly is reaching extinction due to habitat loss, human traffic, light pollution, and pesticide/fertilizer use, according to www.firefly.org. Visit this site for Save the Firefly tips.  

Light pollution is the biggest culprit. Male and female fireflies need their light to communicate – to mate, to protect themselves, and to claim territory. Today, the use of cool white light compared to warm gold undertone light makes them invisible, thus their population is declining.  

At night, turn off lights inside that you’re not using; close curtains to keep the light inside. And outside, avoid decorative and facade lighting in landscapes or face downward to the ground. Use motion detectors and timers to keep the world dark from dusk to several hours later.

Happy June! Happy summer memories, enjoy the old and make the new!

Tennessee Fireflies: Realtime Stock Footage

Thanks for the aglow image by Yuri_B from Pixabay.