UPDATE: Thanks everyone for your suggestions and support! Based on initial feedback, I'd like to propose shifting the target location: we'll avoid using the central white round coffee table and instead put the Luna Moths on top of the short rolling filing cabinets in the picture, where currently the paper chopper is (which will have to move elsewhere).

Reasons for avoiding the other tables are mainly to preserve their function as active working surfaces.

I'm launching a new Earthlings.NYC initiative in the next 2 weeks: a Luna Moth enrichment program at Calvary Hospital in the Bronx. As part of that, we will be keeping Luna Moths and I will need to train myself as well as volunteers on how to handle them. They are incredible, beautiful native NY insects and I think they would also be a lovely addition to our environment.

I'd like to propose a new use of the small white coffee table that is currently used for puzzle boxes, a finished puzzle, and a snack box: this can be our Luna Moth display table. I've already asked Ben if this could fit inside the existing Earthlings.NYC zone and he already has the entire space mapped out for existing storage requirements and new turtle tanks (please see this thread for more information on our usage of that space: https://www.loomio.com/d/dqeLVIhZ/wild-turtle-rehabilitation-program-ppac-turtle-thursday-2-0-)

Current Usage:

Proposed Usage:

What is the decision you need to make?

I'd like to run a pilot of keeping some luna moths here for ~1.5 months, starting in early April and running through May 18, at which point, we can assess if this was a valuable use of this space and whether we want to continue.

Why is this important and what impact does it have?

During this period of time, the table would not be used for storage and (hopefully) instead will become a hub for learning and wonder. I especially want to make sure that @laiquan dubose is OK with this, since I know the EW fellows hang on the couches a lot. Also @David since he often displays his various objects on this table.

What information do people need for context?

The adult luna moth only lives for 5-10 days. While we have an active adult, I'll be learning how to handle them and working with volunteers for our pilot program at the hospital (more information is here, although BE FOREWARNED this slidedeck is currently still under construction as of the time of this loomio posting😅 - https://prpr.fyi/lunamothprimer). When we do not have an active adult, we'll leave a little print-out inside the mesh that gives additional information about the program and about the species. I'm still not sure how many moths we'll want to have during this period -- it may depend on the PPAC community's reception, as well!

In addition to not using this table for storage, we will also need to ask that members and guests are careful around the enclosure -- just try not to knock it over especially when there's a live moth inside of it!

This is a very clean organism because it does no feed in its adult form (minimal additional risk of vermin). I may need some help just giving a little moisture to the moths (all they need is a little moisture so they don't dry out).