Ecology group wants to bring Mainers closer to state’s bugs with walk on Sunday

TOPSHAM — A Maine conservation group wants to make sure the state’s nature lovers don’t overlook the importance of the Pine Tree State’s bugs.

The Friends of Merrymeeting Bay organization is hosting a Forest Insect Walk on Sunday from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. in Topsham.

The group says insects are underloved despite the fact that they are critical to forest health. Insects can also do damage as forest pests, and state officials have asked residents to familiarize themselves with species that present threats.

The walk will be through Topsham’s Baxter Forest and will be open to anyone. It is part of Friends of Merrymeeting Bay’s “Summer Outside!” series, most of which is free and open to the public.