Firefly Frolic

Image by Rodd Lucier.

EXPLORE YOUR BIOLUMINESCENT BACKYARD!

The Jackrabbit Recreation Area has a vibrant night life scene: lightning bugs! Join us for this evening hike on the woodland and field trails to view and learn about these beautiful bugs. We will discuss how to identify different species, the firefly life cycle, the magic behind their glow, and how to attract similar insects to your property. In addition to seeing multiple firefly species, we will hear numerous different kinds of frogs! We may also hear nightjars calling, owls hooting in the distance, or flying squirrels chirping from the trees.

All participants will be given a red-light device (flashlight or headlamp) to use for this hike, but are also welcome to bring their own red-light device. Please do not bring standard white- or yellow- light devices; these not only disturb the lightning bugs, but also affect our ability to properly view them.

This walk will be about one mile on a maintained, moderate-grade trail that is medium difficulty. Roots and rocks are present in the trail, as are other hazards like poison ivy. Participants are encouraged to wear pants and closed toed shoes. A rock that is obvious in the daytime is much more subtle in the evening! We will meet at the Jackrabbit Recreation Area Trail Head at 8:30pm on Friday, June 5th. Map Below. We will be out until around 10:30pm.

This program is weather-dependent; it will still occur in light rain or drizzles, but will be cancelled in the case of heavy rain or dangerous conditions such as lighting. Please note that due to the unpredictable nature of weather in the mountains, this event is subject to be postponed at the last minute. Email Alina with any questions. Please leave pets at home.

Tickets are $15, and availability is limited to reduce disruption to the fireflies and improve our experience out in the woods together.

MEET YOUR GUIDE

As Mainspring’s Outreach Associate, Alina Martin aims to encourage the protection and appreciation of land by connecting communities to the birds, plants, mammals, amphibians, and reptiles that share our home here in the Southern Blue Ridge. Her adventures up and down the east coast have introduced her to a wide variety of habitats, and those experiences inspire her to continue nurturing her understanding of ecology. Armed with her identification knowledge and ever-increasing wonder, Alina leads a variety of educational programs here at Mainspring, and finds something curious and new each time. She is a life-long birder, all-around naturalist, and avid user of eBird and iNaturalist.