illustration of an elephant and hills with a sun and sky, and the words conservation nation academy

Be a Friend to Cicadas

2025 will be another big year for periodical cicadas in the United States, with the 17-year cicadas of Brood XIV expected to emerge across 13 states starting in late April and early May 2025. The last time this brood emerged was in 2008.

Periodical cicadas offer an amazing opportunity to turn fear into fascination and inspire the curiosity of tomorrow’s wildlife champions! Enjoy these unique resources created by Conservation Nation in partnership with leading cicada scientists at George Washington University and Georgetown University.

According to CicadaMania.com, we can expect to see Brood XIV in the following areas of Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.

Note: although highlighted on the map below, Brood XIV will not appear in Washington, DC.

Educational Video (English)
Digital Workbook (English)
illustration of a spiral bound booklet with a cicada drawing along with the words I am a Friend to Cicadas!

The digital notebook below is designed as a teaching tool to help students investigate many fascinating aspects of this phenomenon. 

Educational Video (Spanish)
Digital Workbook (Spanish)
illustration of a spiral bound booklet with a cicada drawing along with the words Las cigarras son mis amigas!

Este cuaderno digital está diseñado como una herramienta de enseñanza para ayudar a los estudiantes a investigar muchos aspectos fascinantes de este fenómeno.

Educator Signup

Be the first to hear about new lesson resources, trainings, and opportunities with Conservation Nation Education Programs!

We will randomly draw one name quarterly to win your choice of binoculars or a set of nature books!

If you’re a little scared of cicadas, you’re not alone! Many people are scared during the emergence of periodical cicadas — but we have good news: there’s no reason to be.

The emergence of these gentle and harmless insects has a fascinating history behind it!

The emergence of periodical cicadas (when they emerge at the same time) in the United States is a rare entomological treat that provides us with a unique opportunity to share the wonder of nature with children — and adults — of all ages. 

2024 is a very special year for cicadas in the central and southern U.S: it’s the first time since 1803 that Brood XIX (13-year cicadas) and Brood XIII (17-year cicadas) will emerge at the same time!

In partnership with scientists at George Washington University, Georgetown University, and the University of Maryland, we created unique, bilingual lesson materials to help teachers and their students become knowledgeable and curious scientists by using cicadas as the inspiration.

The digital notebook below (available in English and Spanish) is designed as a teaching tool to help students investigate many fascinating aspects of this phenomenon. 

Download a PDF of the I am a Friend to Cicadas workbook below. 

What else happened in 1803?

So it’s been a very long time since this type of historic emergence, and we’re excited to experience such a historic event! 

Learn more about periodical cicadas at www.friendtocicadas.org.

Learn more about the Conservation Nation Academy and our free lessons for educators here.

As friends to cicadas, let’s replace fear with fascination as we nurture the next generation of conservation champions!