Story Slam + Moth BioBlitz

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courtesy Olbrich Gardens

A station set up to view moths at night.

media release: Stories that soar. Moths that mesmerize. Step into an evening of storytelling and science under the stars. This unique event pairs the human magic of live true stories with the quiet wonder of a nighttime moth encounters. Enjoy drinks from the outdoor bar and sweet treats from a Cinn City Churro dessert cart—available from 9:00-10:30 PM. Bring your own flashlight and lawn chair or blanket for seating - you’ll want to stay a while.

Story Prompt: "Moths undergo transformation, and so do we. This theme invites stories about personal growth, reinvention, or moments that led to unexpected metamorphosis."

From 9:30-10:30 PM, this open mic event invites 5–6 storytellers, randomly selected, to share true, personal stories inspired by a curated theme. Not ready for the mic? Respond to a prompt on paper - your anonymous words may be read aloud by the host. Whether sharing, listening, or reflecting, guests will experience the power of storytelling in a vibrant, natural setting.

Host: Danielle Hairston Green leads storytelling workshops and keynotes on the ‘impact of a single story’ and is a host for the Moth Story Slam in Madison. Her stories are grounded in the lessons learned from her mother and her journey through fear, loss, and triumphs. She is the Assistant Dean of the Institute of Human Development and Relationships with the UW Division of Extension. “Storytelling is vulnerable and powerful, scary and brave; it is one of the greatest human connectors and is a fundamental part of being human.” 

Story Slam Guidelines

Summon, sprout, shape, and sculpt your story. Let it take root in your mind. Water it with practice until you can tell it without the crutch of paper. Then prune it—trim it down to five minutes.

Test it out on your houseplants, but don’t expect applause. Revise. Rework. Grit your teeth as your ficus silently judges you. Slash another two minutes. Try again. Breathe. Forgive your plants - they were only trying to help.

Arrive at the Story Slam and toss your name into the metaphorical (or literal?) hat. If luck is on your side, you’ll be one of the chosen Five who get five minutes to enchant the crowd with your tale. If not, don’t wilt! Your story’s time will come—stories are like perennials; they find ways to bloom again.

Judges will be watching for three things:

Stick to five minutes—nature waits for no one.

Stay on theme—like a vine, let it twist but not tangle.

Conflict + resolution = the sweet nctar of a great story.

Moth BioBlitz

Come for the stories. Stay for the science.

After the Story Slam, from 10:30 PM to midnight (prime time for moth activity) wander the Gardens and experience the magic of our glowing moth viewing stations. Watch as light draws in an astonishing variety of moths and nocturnal insects - some boldly beautiful, others quietly camouflaged, all vital to the ecosystem.

Join us in identifying these nighttime visitors using the iNaturalist app. Every sighting you share helps build a living database that supports Olbrich’s efforts to understand and protect pollinators and other insect life.

Now go forth and cultivate a tale worth telling!