Beyond the Bug

08/21/2026

I am super excited to announce that Beyond the Bug has found a commercial location! We will be opening next year for private tours, field trips, and birthday parties in collaboration with Willow Bridge Farms. Our new location will be in Stockton NJ.

Please excuse slower responses during this time. Moving all of our animals has been quite the undertaking - Beyond the Bug is currently ran by just me, Kate! If you’d like to support us during this time, please check out our amazon wishlist (link in bio).

Have a program booked with us? Don't worry! Nothing will change. We will be honoring the programs we already have scheduled with no added mileage fee. That being said, we are looking to gain more clients in the Hunterdon County area now that it is our home base. Stay tuned to see our progress and for an official opening date. We will still be available for outreach programming in the meantime. Head to www.beyondthebug.com to learn more about how we can make your next program a WILD one!

08/12/2026

Which cockroach are you? Which one is your favorite? Did you know that there are over 4500 species of cockroaches, and 99% of them are beneficial? As decomposers, they keep our habitats clean and free of disease. The cockroach are the poster child of misunderstood creatures!

Beyond the Bug seeks to inspire empathy and appreciation for often misunderstood and “unloved” animals by highlighting their critical roles in ecosystems across the globe. Featuring live animal ambassadors, we deliver Next Generation Science Standards-aligned educational programs that promote conservation awareness and foster a deeper connection to the natural world. Through a variety of engaging presentations, including birthday parties, school assemblies, and visits to libraries, community centers, senior centers, and more, Beyond the Bug aims to change perceptions, spark curiosity, and encourage greater respect for the diversity and importance of all living creatures. To learn more about how to book a program or support our mission, please visit www.beyondthebug.com.

08/09/2026

Did you know that botflies mimic bees? They're convincing enough to fool even seasoned bug nerds! A good rule to remember is that flies only have one set of wings, whereas other insects have two pairs. This is why their order is called diptera - two winged.

Want to meet some incredible LIVE animals? Beyond the Bug offers many educational programs for all ages. We visit schools, libraries, camps, special events and more to spread our mission of building empathy and compassion for misunderstood animals. Please visit www.beyondthebug.com to learn more about how we can make your next program a WILD one! (I promise I will not bring any botflies)

08/05/2026

Stop using anti-bug language! Try these bug-positive alternatives instead.

Beyond the Bug seeks to inspire empathy and appreciation for often misunderstood and “unloved” animals by highlighting their critical roles in ecosystems across the globe. We offer many educational programs for all ages. We visit schools, libraries, camps, special events and more to spread our mission of building empathy and compassion for misunderstood animals. Want to support our mission? Please visit www.beyondthebug.com to learn more about how we can make your next program a WILD one!

08/04/2026

Our mice (Juniper, Anastasia, and Cora) enjoyed some floral enrichment last night. I "planted" the flowers in their bedding to help encourage natural foraging behaviors. It is safe to say they had a blast ripping those apart! Enrichment is very important for both the physical and mental health of animals living under human care.

Did you know we have a program on animal enrichment available? Your learners will learn what animal enrichment is, why it is important, and they will even get to craft their own enrichment! Want to book a program like this and meet incredible, LIVE animals up close? Beyond the Bug offers many educational programs for all ages. We visit schools, libraries, birthday parties, scout programs and more to spread our mission of building empathy and compassion for misunderstood animals. Please visit www.beyondthebug.com to learn more about how we can make your next program a WILD one!

07/29/2026

07/26/2026

Did you know that millipedes have four legs for every segment of their body? That's a lot of legs to coordinate!

Want to meet Millie, our African giant millipede, and our other animal friends? Beyond the Bug offers many educational programs for all ages. We visit schools, libraries, camps, special events and more to spread our mission of building empathy and compassion for misunderstood animals. Please visit www.beyondthebug.com to learn more about how we can make your next program a WILD one!

07/24/2026

Join us next Saturday August 1st at The Watershed Institute for their Annual Butterfly Festival – a celebration of family fun to share the joys and wonders of nature. Beyond the Bug will be there from 9:30am-3:00pm featured in the insect zoo. This event will feature tours of the Kate Gorrie Butterfly House and the Insect Zoo, live music, and entertainment throughout the day. Tickets are available on The Watershed Institute's website. Individual tickets are $10, and tickets for a carload of people are $30.

Want to book with Beyond the Bug? We offer many hands-on, educational programs for all ages featuring LIVE animal ambassadors. We visit schools, libraries, birthday parties, camps, and more to spread our mission of building empathy and understanding for misunderstood animals. Please visit www.beyondthebug.com to learn more about how we can make your next program a WILD one!

07/20/2026

Darwin getting very cozy! Want to meet Darwin and other incredible LIVE animals? Beyond the Bug offers many educational programs for all ages. We visit schools, libraries, camps, special events and more to spread our mission of building empathy and compassion for misunderstood animals. Please visit www.beyondthebug.com to learn more about how we can make your next program a WILD one!