They Suck!

The subject of this weekend's Friends of Hobbs Park Speakers Series really sucks.

With piercing stylets for mouths and anticoagulant, allergenic saliva, blood sucking ticks, mosquitoes and chiggers are on everyone's list of worst nightmares.

Except for maybe park interpreter Steve Chyrchel, who seems to think they are pretty interesting.

"It's absolutely fascinating," he says. "I don't think people who come to this talk will leave creeped out. People are going to feel more knowledgeable. We are all affected by these insects, so it's good to know how these critters work. Dr. Steelman will be presenting a lot of practical information."

Dr. Dayton Steelman, professor emeritus of veterinary entomology from the University of Arkansas, will present this fascinating three-part program, "Insects that Suck," Saturday at the visitor center at Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area. The talk will focus on the biology of these insects as well as potential pathogens and parasites they can transmit and the insects' relationship to the health of animals, birds and humans locally, Chyrchel says.

"My job is to interpret flora, fauna and the history of our parks," he says. "But our program includes more than just interpreting ... more than anything else, it's a pride thing -- learn more about your state. That includes our little blood-sucking friends. I've sat through Dayton's talks twice before. He's very knowledgeable, and the talks are captivating."

The Speakers Series is not a new program for Hobbs. After the visitor center opening in 2009, the administrative staff sat down and brainstormed how they could best use the new facility paid for by the 1996 Amendment 75 authorizing a 1 cent sales tax increase to pay for state parks and other environment-focused groups and programs, Chyrchel says.

"One of those ideas was the the free Friends of Hobbs Speakers Series," he continues. "We, of course, have found that we draw large crowds with certain types of programs. Some of the subjects we know are of 'vertical' interest, appreciated more by certain smaller groups rather than the public as a whole."

Regardless of the topic, Chyrchel insists that the Speakers Series and programs such as "Leave No Trace" offer visitors to the park a chance to become more aware of their surroundings.

"Some of our programs are being good stewards of our land," he says. "These topics are important, and we will continue to have them."