Literary Event Series: Night Magic - An Evening with Leigh Ann Henion
We are thrilled to welcome acclaimed author and journalist Leigh Ann Henion to Buffalo to discuss her captivating book Night Magic: Adventures Among Glowworms, Moon Gardens, and Other Marvels of the Dark. In this illuminating and timely conversation, Henion explores the hidden wonders that emerge after sunset and invites us to rediscover the natural world in a whole new light, by experiencing it in the dark.
Our recent WNY Wildway animal movement research has revealed just how important the night is for many of the animals that call our region home. From migrating birds traveling under the cover of darkness to bats, amphibians, and mammals that depend on the dark to hunt, navigate, and communicate, nighttime plays a critical role in the health of our ecosystems. Yet increasing light pollution and human activity are rapidly changing this essential environment.
Through vivid storytelling and thoughtful reflection, Henion invites us to slow down, look up, and embrace the beauty and mystery of the nighttime world. Her work encourages us to reconsider darkness not as something to fear, but as something to protect, cherish, and experience.
At the Land Conservancy, we envision a future where Western New York’s forests, wetlands, and meadows remain healthy and connected, for wildlife both day and night. Protecting land also means protecting the natural rhythms that sustain life, including the often-overlooked importance of darkness.
Join us on June 11 for this free event. Space is limited, so we encourage you to register for the in-person program below. This event will also be livestreamed.
Praise for Night Magic: Adventures Among Glowworms, Moon Gardens, and Other Marvels of the Dark
"A beautiful journey. Leigh Ann Henion has illuminated the natural treasures that live by night. Moths, fireflies, owls, and much more are brought to attention in these pages with the hope that we can put aside our fear of the dark and experience what happens during a full half of our stay on earth."—Douglas W. Tallamy, New York Times bestselling author of Nature's Best Hope and Bringing Nature Home
"Night Magic is an illuminating exploration of the dark. Beautifully written, moving, and full of wonder."—Richard Louv, author of Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children From Nature-Deficit Disorder
"The science intrigues...Henion's greatest gift is her ability to evoke the sense of wonder that follows from tuning in to the natural world. This will fill readers with awe."—Publisher's Weekly
“Brilliant. Leigh Ann Henion is an inspiring and wise guide not only to the biological marvels of night but also to the communities of people who celebrate and protect the rich life of the dark. Beyond the fear of the dark is wonder, vividly evoked in these pages.”—David George Haskell, author of The Forest Unseen and The Songs of Trees
Thursday, June 11, 2026 7:00 p.m.- 8:30 p.m.
Trinity Episcopal Church, 371 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, NY
Free event