AI Summary
5 min readThe Garden Journal’s “People, Plants, and Pollinators” edition for October 2026 features host Caitlin Hasi (a pollinator conservation specialist with the Xerces Society) in conversation with Bethany Abrahamson, Agriculture Extension agent for Sandoval County, New Mexico. The episode centers on nocturnal insects and other nighttime garden wildlife, the ecological services they provide, and practical steps gardeners can take to support them—especially by reducing light pollution. Abrahamson, who studied entomology and museum science at UNM and later worked for the New Mexico Department of Agriculture, brings a scientist’s precision and an educator’s warmth to the discussion.
The Hidden Night Shift: Nocturnal Garden Helpers
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What you'll learn
- 1 (00:09) **Show Open** - Host Caitlin Hasi introduces the People, Plants, and Pollinators edition and her guest, Bethany Abrahamson.
- 2 (01:15) **Bethany’s Background in Entomology** - Bethany describes her path from museum work to agricultural extension.
- 3 (03:19) **Insect-Themed Events and Field Days** - Bethany details the hands-on insect education programs she has run this past year.
- 4 (05:37) **Upcoming Event: Bernalillo Bug Night** - Bethany promotes a free, family-friendly event scheduled for October 29th.
- 5 (07:50) **Nocturnal Insects: Ground Beetles** - The conversation shifts to spooky, night-active insects, starting with predatory ground beetles.
- 6 (09:27) **Nocturnal Insects: Moths as Essential Pollinators** - Bethany highlights the diversity and ecological importance of moths.
- 7 (12:00) **Tips for Observing Garden Insects** - The hosts discuss how to maximize insect sightings by varying the time of day.
+ Full timestamped outline available in the app
Show Notes
Join Kaitlin Haase for a conversation with Bethany Abrahamson, Sandoval County's Agriculture Extension Agent and insect enthusiast! Bethany and Kaitlin discuss the creatures of the night, diving into the world of nocturnal insects and how to support them in the garden.
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