Distinguished Speaker Series: How Local Insects Survive Winter and Extreme Weather

Saturday, November 7, 2026 at 6pm

Join us for a fun evening with entomologist Emily Zobel of the University of Maryland College of Agriculture for a fascinating talk titled, "Ultimate Survivor: How Local Insects Survive Winter and Extreme Weather." We'll look at how insects overwinter across Blackwater NWR, local farmland, and our own backyards - and discover simple steps to make your garden a year-round shelter! Emily will bring her wonderful storytelling to an evening filled with community, nature, and fun.

This event will be held at the beautiful Layton's Chance Vineyard and Winery where we will have wine and non-alcoholic drinks for purchase and a charcuterie provided. This event is a fundraiser for the Friends of Blackwater NWR, and 10% of all wine sales will be donated to the Friends.

Speaker bio: Emily Zobel is the Agriculture Faculty Extension Assistant for Dorchester County. She received her B.S. in Ecology and M.S. in Entomology from the University of Maryland College Park. Her thesis work focused on the feeding and reproductive habits of the brown marmorated stink bug on vegetable crops. Prior to graduate school, she worked as a lab and field technician for the Entomology Department at the University of Maryland, conducting research on pesticides usage and sustainable agriculture practices.

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