Rhymes and Reasons to Appreciate Spiders

Join us for spidery goodness and discover the fascinating world of Florida spiders. Dee Fairbanks-Simpson, author of *Rhyming Guide to Florida Spiders,* will lead an interactive session to provide a deeper understanding of these often-misunderstood creatures. Dee will share fun facts from her research and offer tips on how to identify spider species.
This session will delve into the essential role spiders play in our ecosystem, highlighting their contributions to pest control, biodiversity, and overall environmental balance. Attendees will be introduced to a captivating blend of scientific insights and engaging anecdotes, aimed at demystifying the behaviors, adaptations, and life cycles of Florida’s diverse spider populations.
Key session highlights:

* Spider Identification: Learn how to differentiate between various spider families through visual aids, field guides, and photography
* Ecosystem Importance: Discover the critical ecological roles that spiders fulfill, including their impact on controlling insect populations and species medically significant to humans
* Spider Trivia: Tap into your spidey sense for a chance to win nature themed prizes
* Community Science Opportunities: Explore ways to contribute to spider education and conservation efforts by capturing or viewing observations in iNaturalist

Armed with your new arachnology knowledge we hope you will gain a newfound appreciation for the importance of spiders in our ecosystem and those living right in our own backyard.
**About the Author / Presenter**
Dee Fairbanks Simpson writes and photographs a daily blog called Dee at 8 a.m. (http://www.deeat8am.com). For 7 years and counting, she has used the blog to entertain and educate people about the flora and fauna of Florida. She has self-published 2 books (so far) based on her blog.