As the golden hues of October settle over the Plateau, the Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust and The Village Green invite curious young minds to step into the shadowy world of arachnids at the Youth Village Nature Series.
From 4:00 to 5:00 P.M. Tuesday, October 14, naturalist and educator Brian Bockhahn will lead “Spooky Spiders of North Carolina,” a hands-on exploration of the misunderstood marvels that skitter through our forests and fields.
Bockhahn, a seasoned education specialist with North Carolina State Parks, has spent decades hiking nearly every trail in the state, cataloging its biodiversity and co-authoring the Arachnids of North Carolina website. His passion for spiders is matched only by his gift for storytelling – making him the perfect guide for this eerie yet enlightening journey.
Western North Carolina is home to a web of fascinating species, including the elusive spruce-fir moss spider, one of the tiniest and rarest spiders in the world. Nestled in the high-elevation moss mats of this corner of the Southern Appalachians, this endangered creature is no larger than a pencil eraser and spins its delicate web among liverworts and hornworts. Its presence is a testament to the uniqueness of Southern Appalachian ecosystems – and a reminder of the fragility of life at the mountaintop.
Then there’s the bolas spider, a master of mimicry found in scattered pockets across the state. Rather than weaving traditional webs, the female bolas spider swings a sticky silk ball to snare unsuspecting moths, lured in by pheromone mimicry. It’s nature’s version of trick-or-treat, with the spider playing both roles.
At the Village Green Commons, children will learn how to identify local spiders, understand their ecological roles, and even debunk a few myths – like the idea that all spiders are dangerous. Through games, stories, and up-close encounters, Brian will transform fear into fascination, showing that these eight-legged creatures are more than Halloween icons – they’re vital threads in the web of life.
Free and open to all, this program promises a blend of science, spookiness, and seasonal wonder. So grab your flashlight, bring your curiosity, and prepare to meet the real monsters of the mountains – small, silent, and spectacular.
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