Backyard Bugs Day, held on June 27, brought neighbors in the Wylde-Weeber Neighborhood Association (Iowa City) together around a shared curiosity for local insects hidden under rocks and rustling through leaves in our own backyards. Neighborhood members gathered for this interactive and family-friendly event to collect and observe diverse invertebrates such as ants, bees, beetles, butterflies, flies, fireflies, moths, worms, pill bugs, and spiders. With support from the Department of Biology including the use of dissecting microscopes and handing out department swag, the event highlighted the ecological value of backyard bugs and encouraged community members to observe and support them rather than eliminate them. The event was coordinated by Biology Professor Dan Eberl, recently retired Instructional Services Specialist Olga Miakotina, and Assistant Research Scientist/Adjunct Assistant Professor Mei-ling Joiner.