RALPH WILSON/Sun-Gazette Correspondent A group leaves on a walking tour of the Robert Porter Allen Natural Area on Friday, July 8, 2022 in South Williamsport. Sarah Lower, assistant professor of Biology at Bucknell University explained her studies of the habits and life cycle of fireflies to the group. The event which included speakers, art and a walking tour was sponsored by South Side Recreation Authority, Bucknell University, Lyco Arts, Lycoming Audubon, Susquehanna Greenway and Robert Porter Allen Community Partners.

Art and science are coming together to raise awareness about a dwindling firefly population.

At the inaugural Sylvan Dell Farm Firefly Event, visual artist Diana Lehr recently debuted her video, “A Midsummer Nocturne,” inside a darkened barn.

Outside, Sarah Lower, an assistant professor of biology at Bucknell University, spoke about studies being done on the firefly population.

Lower has been studying lightning bugs for 12 years and is a member of the Fireflyers International Network, a community of scientists which uses the term “fireflyer” to describe those who chase fireflies and think about lightning bugs.

With their numbers “rapidly dwindling,” Lower’s hope is to create an optimal environment at the Robert Porter Allen Natural Area for the glowing insects to flourish.

The idea is to reclaim habitat from the once heavily farmed area to attract more fireflies.

While there are more than 2,200 species of fireflies worldwide, North America is home to between 130 and 180 species, Lower said, adding that she is not sure how many exist in Pennsylvania, perhaps 10.

There is more diversity of species in Pennsylvania because of an overlap of species prevalent to the north as well as the south.

Different species may be distinguished by the patterns their lights make while trying to attract a mate, she said.

While she was not sure exactly why lightning bugs are in decline, loss of habitat and light pollution are among the reasons she cited.

Lehr’s video features many night scenes captured between Benton and Bloomsburg. In those scenes, fireflies fill and light up fields at night, along with many deer. One of those deer is a rare albino.

“I find them so magical,” Lehr said of the fireflies. “It feels like you are in a fairy tale.”

The inaugural Firefly Event was described as a “very rustic, basic first step at this” and involved Lycoming Arts. After the video and a talk, those attending were invited to take a night hike to view fireflies on the property.