Photograph by Dave Johnston
Raleigh Johnston and Kristie Liddie examine a tomato caterpillar at last year's Insect Fair.
Those creepy, crawly things will come out of hiding on Saturday, May 18 when the Youth Science Institute stages its annual Insect Fair at Sanborn Nature Center in Sanborn-Skyline County Park from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The nature center is located at 16055 Sanborn Road, just off Highway 9.
"There is a fascinating jungle to be discovered, right in your own backyard," says coordinator Andrea Liddie.
Insects make up 80 to 90 percent of the animal kingdom, far outnumbering other species of plants and animals on earth, Liddie says. "Underneath a rock or flowerpot, in a shovelful of soil, there exists an incredibly diverse world of tiny beasts. Beautiful or ugly, beneficial or harmful, they are amazing."
Representatives from the science institute, the Santa Clara County Parks and Recreation Department, county Vector Control, state Department of Food and Agriculture, San Jose State University Biology Department, De Anza College, Natural Bridges State Park and others, including Dave Williams--"the bee man," whose business is bee and wasp removal--will be on hand during the fair.
There will be live animals, preserved specimens, hands-on activities, crafts, guest speakers and exhibitors. There will be information on what to plant to attract butterflies and organic pest control.
"Mostly it's a chance to get up close and handle insects where possible, instead of just looking at them under glass," Liddie said.
Cost is $3 for adults, children 12 and under $1. Park entrance fee is $3 per vehicle.
This article appeared in the Saratoga News, May 15, 1996.
©1996 Metro Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved