Author of "Butterflies Up Close: A guide to Butterfly Photography," Roger Rittmaster, will meet program participants at the Hidden Valley Nature Center parking lot, 131 Egypt Road, Jefferson on Wednesday, July 6 at 9:30 a.m. for a discussion of butterflies, dragonflies and other cool insects. Roger, a Maine Master Naturalist, will help participants learn the difference between a butterfly and a moth, a dragonfly and damselfly, and why insects are essential to the lives of other species, including us, during an exploration of the diversity of insect life in this fascinating nature center, a program of the Maine Conservancy. Donations in support of the Coastal Community Center and Maine Conservancy programs appreciated. Advanced reservations required. Please call 563-1363 by July 5 to express your interest.

Roger Rittmaster is a retired endocrinologist, who moved back to Maine in 2011 with his wife, Jeannie Hutchins. He has a lifelong interest in natural history and nature photography, and over the past 15 years has focused on photographing insects. He is a Maine Master Naturalist and currently serves on the Board of Coastal Mountains Land Trust and is Chair of the Camden Conservation Commission. Roger and Jeannie live along the Megunticook River in Camden.

Hidden Valley Nature Center is part of Midcoast Conservancy, whose mission is to to support and promote healthy lands, waters, wildlife, and people in Midcoast Maine through conservation, education, and recreation. For more information, go to midcoastconservancy.org or call (207) 389-5150.