Where have all the fireflies gone?

Today in The 518

• The case of the disappearing lightning bugs

• Primary elections & Albany sheriff gets top honors

• A charming cottage in Troy is our Home of the Week 🏡

• Plus, more ethnic eats & all the music listings you need to know

Where have all the fireflies gone? 😢 

For many of us, warm June evenings conjure up memories of dusk turning into night, swarms of fireflies blinking in the backyard while the heat and the humidity of the day settles down like a worn blanket.

The only problem with this picture is that the fireflies have gone missing. What started out as anecdotal evidence (“Have you noticed we hardly ever see lightning bugs anymore?”) has hardened into scientific fact. There really are fewer fireflies in New York State and around the East Coast.

Last week’s story in The New York Times on the decline of butterflies reminded us that firefly populations are facing a similar fate, driven out by light pollution, habitat loss, and the widespread use of pesticides.

“Every single person who pays attention notices there are fewer fireflies than there used to be,” said Sara Lewis, professor emerita of biology at Tufts University, in a 2023 interview with the Times Union. She's the author of “Silent Sparks: The Wondrous World of Fireflies." Her TED Talk on the "loves and lies of fireflies” has been viewed more than a million times.

But here’s the good news—you can actually do something to help our firefly populations right in your backyard:

• Let the darkness in: Turn off all unnecessary lights around your house. The lights confuse the fireflies, who think they’re flying to meet a mate 🤦 

• Give up the grass: Allowing your lawn to go wild with native plants and leaf litter provides more cover for firefly larvae.

• Say NO to pesticides: Stopping the use of lawn chemicals is the single best thing you can do for fireflies!

• Bring in the water: Most firefly species thrive around one thing: standing water and marshy areas. Consider adding a small water feature or pond. Avoid chemically treated water, though.

Let us know in the comments (desktop only) if you’re seeing fewer fireflies than ever, and share some memories!

More to explore: Check out this cool interactive story from The Washington Post to learn more about the disappearing fireflies.

"Please don't go!" I called / but the fireflies flashed away / deep into darkness.” —Uejima Onitsura

Our recent heatwave abates with cooler temps this week 😎 

Tuesday is Election Day 🇺🇲 

It’s time for the statewide primary elections. The Times Union has a comprehensive voter guide. Need some guidance? NYLCV is the only statewide environmental organization that lobbies for clean water, clean air, renewable energy and open space. Here are their endorsements. The AFL-CIO has its 2024 endorsements for working families. And the Working Families Party is out with its endorsements, too. Run into issues trying to vote? The attorney general’s office is operating a voter help hotline at (866) 390-2992.

Albany County’s Apple named Sheriff of the Year

Craig Apple was chosen from among more than 3,000 sheriffs to be honored as the 2024 National Sheriff of the Year. The 38-year veteran is the first sheriff from New York to receive the recognition. Apple has been with the Albany sheriff’s office since 1987, rising through the ranks to become top dog in 2011. He says he’s most proud of SHIP, the homeless shelter program he helped to create within the county jail. We wrote about a SHIP success story—a once homeless chess prodigy turned college star—for The 518’s Feel Good Friday story.

Pot businesses 🌿 want to open up in Amsterdam

We recently wrote about how more pot shops are coming to a block near you, so it’s no surprise that two cannabis businesses are asking for permission to operate in Amsterdam. Jake Karker and Jake Davis, experienced cultivators with local farm backgrounds, believe their Mt. Macy Farms will be an asset to the city. Meanwhile, Sanctuary Gardens wants to open in the former bank building at 161 Church St. The Amsterdam Planning Commission will hold public hearings about the proposed business during Wednesday’s meeting at 6 p.m. The Daily Gazette has the full story.

There’s charming, and then there’s perfection. This easy-to-love 4BR/2BA cottage in Troy is bigger than it looks, with a cozy, yet spacious in-law apartment upstairs with separate entrance and kitchen. The mature garden features three seasons of perennials, including tulips, roses and a blossoming serviceberry tree that is sure to delight you and the area pollinators! Plus, enjoy hardwood floors, a new hot water heater, double-pane windows, walk-in closets and built-in shelves. The best feature? It’s the right price at $249K!

The deets: Multi-family 4 bd, 2 ba, 1857 sf + outdoor shed. Asking: $249,000. Days on market: 3. See the full listing here.