Bug Chicks Highlight 2013 Bug Fest at Tualatin Hills Nature Park

Kristie Reddick and Jessica Honaker, self-proclaimed “Bug Chicks,” will help the Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District celebrate its 13th annual Bug Fest.

The event will be held on Saturday, Aug. 24, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Tualatin Hills Nature Park Interpretive Center, 15655 SW Millikan Way, Beaverton.

Reddick and Honaker (pictured), two Portland-area entomologists, will display live bug habitats and kick off their Web series, “The American Sofa Safari,” at Bug Fest, which helps young visitors understand the important roles invertebrates play in our environment.

“We are excited to have the Bug Chicks join us at this year’s event,” said THPRD’s Karen Munday, program coordinator at the Interpretive Center. “Their vast knowledge of invertebrates from around the world is going to be a great addition to our exhibits featuring local bugs and their habitats.”

More information about Reddick and Honaker is available at thebugchicks.com.

Bug Fest, presented by THPRD in partnership with Metro, features interactive discovery stations, crafts, games, and a range of activities that help attendees experience the boneless/spineless creatures that keep the environment healthy. Participants are encouraged to bring their own bugs for experts to identify.

This year’s theme is “Bug Habitats: In the Park…and Beyond.” THPRD’s Natural Resources staff will help guests understand habitats near and far – from the backyard and local parks to forests and meadows around the world – and how bugs make their home in so many of them.

“Beetles, butterflies, bees, slugs, spiders, ants and other bugs are heroes of our planet because they help recycle fallen trees, pollinate flowers and provide food for animals,” Munday said. “We hope Bug Fest inspires some children to want to become entomologists.”

Admission to Bug Fest is $3; children two years of age and under are free. Food and beverages from Qdoba will be available for purchase.

About THPRD

Formed in 1955, THPRD is the largest special park district in Oregon, spanning about 50 square miles and serving 230,000 residents in the greater Beaverton area. The district provides year-round recreational opportunities for people of all ages and abilities. Offerings include thousands of widely diverse classes, more than 90 park sites with active recreational amenities, 60 miles of trails, eight swim centers, six recreation centers, and 1,400 acres of natural areas. For more information, visit www.thprd.org or call 503/645-6433.