FRAMINGHAM, MA -- The DINOSAUR-sized BIG BUGS Sculpture Exhibit lands at New England Wild Flower Society’s Garden in the Woods, 180 Hemenway Road in Framingham.

July 12- October 31, 2008 get a bug’s eye view of the world when you come nose to knee with an 18-foot, 1200-pound praying mantis and 12 other ENORMOUS and beautiful natural sculptures by New York artist David Rogers. Join in the fun when BIG BUGS brings a swarm of summer and fall events to “one of the most beautiful places on the planet.” Enjoy a picnic and swarm over to the nursery to buy native plants bugs love, gifts, books, and bug-themed toys for sale at the Society’s Museum Shop.

“Insects play a vital role in a garden, but are unnoticed, so I put them on such a large scale that you can’t help but notice them,” says David Rogers. Roger’s popular exhibition is a smash hit across America, and returns to Garden in the Woods, by popular demand, for an exclusive New England showing. BIG BUGS is this summer’s centerpiece for a delightful celebration of the Web of Life and the world of plant and insect relationships. This is a MUST-SEE event! Join the Society for the BIG BUGS Grand Opening Day July 12 with live music, costumed characters, a Build-a-Bug Park, Bug-Venture activities and more. The exhibit is free for members and children under 3, and $8 for adults, $6 for students with ID and seniors, and $4 for youths 3-18. Web-of-Life Extravaganza events included FREE with admission unless otherwise noted.

Bug-Mobile activity stations feature a different bug each weekend. One BUGMOBILE offers a chance for personal encounters with live insects, facilitated by Society staff, volunteers, and bug enthusiasts—you! The hands-on activities use magnifying glasses, bug boxes, and insect nets. Catch and release live bugs and enjoy new “bug facts” each weekend. Another BUGMOBILE offers craft activities related to the feature Bug of the Weekend.

Get your BIG BUGS map stamped on two weekends and win a BUGOLOGY pin! Check the Society’s website at www.newenglandWILD.org for riddles, an online photo gallery, and lots more programs like Insect Safaris, Insect Safari. Water Wonders, and more.

July 12 OPENING DAY* –“Meet the BEETLES” with live music by HELP!

July 19-20 Ladybug Weekend – Seeing spots?

July 21 Animal Ambassadors – Live animal show 10 a.m. Pay at the door ($5/4)

July 26-27 Dragonfly Weekend – Make dragonfly mobiles

Aug. 2-3 Bee Weekend – Taste wild honey and see a hive

Aug. 8 WILD NIGHTS* – Bill Staines in concert, Woodland Stage 6 p.m. ($20/17). Includes exhibit; picnics available. Advance tickets WICN.org or 508-752-0700

Aug. 9-10 Ant Weekend – Make ant-ennae and fingerprint art

Aug. 11 Animal Ambassadors – Live animal show 10 a.m. Pay at the door ($5/4)

Aug. 16-17 Damselfly Weekend – See flying insect jewels

Aug. 21, 22 Butterfly Festival* – Peak meadow bloom

Sept. 6-7 Praying Mantis Weekend – See clever camouflage

Sept. 13-14 Daddy Longlegs Weekend – Make a sculpture

Sept. 20-21 Monarch Migration Weekend – Create monarch wings

Sept. 27-28 Grasshopper Weekend – How far can you leap?

Oct. 4-5 Assassin Bug Weekend – Meet the “true bug” of the show

Oct. 5 STUDENT ART SHOW – Bring or create your own artwork

Oct. 18-19 Spider Weekend – Make your own spider and web for low-key Halloween fun

Oct. 25-26 Bye Bye Bugs Weekend - Vote for your favorite bug!

Become a member of The New England Wild Flower Society for unlimited free admission to BIG BUGS. All memberships and purchases support the award-winning plant conservation programs of the Society.

Visit www.newenglandwild.org for a BIG BUGS preview. Submit your BIG BUGS images to the Community Gallery at bigbugsart@newenglandwild.org.

Related Link: <http://www.newenglandwild.org>

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