Tag Archives: Walk Difficulty: Moderate

Reedy Fork Trail – Zebra Swallowtail (Greensboro, NC)

On Saturday, April 9, 2022, the Triad Chapter of CBS (Carolina Butterfly Society) will hold a butterfly walk at Reedy Fork Trail near Greensboro, North Carolina, to look for the Zebra Swallowtail and other early butterflies. The Reedy Fork Trail parallels the Reedy Fork Creek that flows into back waters of Lake Townsend. You will also find signs of deer, raccoon, and beaver on this heavily wooded trail, making it an excellent pick for a moderate hike (or for another day, a scenic bike ride). The total length of the trail is about 3.5 miles. Refer to the website below for a map and additional information.

Meet at the trailhead parking area, GPS coordinates 36.17361, -79.83784, located on the east side of Lake Brandt Road just to the north of Lake Brandt Marina and the dam. Please RSVP to Anne Carlson at the email address below if you plan to participate.

Reedy Fork Trail – Falcate Orangetip (Greensboro, NC)

On Saturday, March 19, 2022, the Triad Chapter of CBS (Carolina Butterfly Society) will hold a butterfly walk at Reedy Fork Trail near Greensboro, North Carolina, to look for the Falcate Orangetip and other early butterflies. The Reedy Fork Trail parallels the Reedy Fork Creek that flows into back waters of Lake Townsend. You will also find signs of deer, raccoon, and beaver on this heavily wooded trail, making it an excellent pick for a moderate hike (or for another day, a scenic bike ride). The total length of the trail is about 3.5 miles. Refer to the website below for a map and additional information.

Meet at the trailhead parking area, GPS coordinates 36.17361, -79.83784, located on the east side of Lake Brandt Road just to the north of Lake Brandt Marina and the dam. Please RSVP to Anne Carlson at the email address below if you plan to participate.

Sunday – Southwestern Mountains of NC

Meeting place and time: At a paved parking area along the southeast side of US 64, about 0.2-mile mile east of where the Appalachian Trail crosses the highway. This parking area is located perhaps 5 miles west of where Wayah Road meets US 64. We will meet at 10:00 AM on Sunday, May 13.
Butterflying locations include various sites west of the meeting place, such as the Wasilik Poplar area, possibly Wayah and Wind Spring Balds. Definitely the Buck Creek area in eastern Clay County; this area will be our main focus.
Targets: Tawny Crescent (should see), Gorgone Checkerspot (rare and not likely, but at least was formerly at a site where we will visit), Dusted Skipper, Indian Skipper (perhaps a tad early), Northern Crescent, Appalachian Tiger Swallowtail, Dusky Azure and Silvery Blue (maybe a tad late for them), West Virginia White, Appalachian Azure, Pepper and Salt Skipper. Lots of very rare possibilities (as if we will see a Gray Comma, Green Comma, Early Hairstreak, or Golden Banded-Skipper!)
There are many motels in Franklin. However, rates will not be inexpensive, as May is semi-high season, and of course we will be here on a weekend.

Saturday – Southwest Mountains of NC

Meeting place and time: At a paved parking area along the southeast side of US 64, about 0.2-mile mile east of where the Appalachian Trail crosses the highway. This parking area is located perhaps 5 miles west of where Wayah Road meets US 64. We will meet at 10:30 AM on Saturday, May 12. It likely will be a bit chilly at 3500 feet elevation, and we want to allow plenty of time for folks to drive to the site on Saturday morning without having to spend Friday night in Franklin. We will meet again at this parking area on Sunday, but we will meet on Sunday at 10:00 AM.

Butterflying locations include various sites west of the meeting place, such as the Wasilik Poplar area, possibly Wayah and Wind Spring Balds. Definitely the Buck Creek area in eastern Clay County; this area will be our main focus.

Targets: Tawny Crescent (should see), Gorgone Checkerspot (rare and not likely, but at least was formerly at a site where we will visit), Dusted Skipper, Indian Skipper (perhaps a tad early), Northern Crescent, Appalachian Tiger Swallowtail, Dusky Azure and Silvery Blue (maybe a tad late for them), West Virginia White, Appalachian Azure, Pepper and Salt Skipper. Lots of very rare possibilities (as if we will see a Gray Comma, Green Comma, Early Hairstreak, or Golden Banded-Skipper!)

There are many motels in Franklin. However, rates will not be inexpensive, as May is semi-high season, and of course we will be here on a weekend.

 

 

NABA Count: Congaree National Park

Meet at the visitor center which has restroom facilities. We will divide into smaller groups. Some will have longer areas to walk. Some trails will have roots and maybe overgrown. There are no restaurants nearby. Contact David Shelley if you are able to help with this important count. You do not have to be an expert to help and you may come for a whole or half day.

Carolina Sandhills NWR

Please meet in the parking lot at the visitor center which will be closed. The main entrance is on US Highway 1, about 4 miles northeast of McBee, SC. There are restroom facilities at Lake Bee, but we will not be near there until later in the day. We will drive to sections of the NWR and stop to look for butterflies. Walking will be minimal. If time permits we will head to Cheraw State Park to look for butterflies there.

The address is 23734 U.S. Highway 1, McBee, SC 29101.

Our target species will be Frosted Elfin.

Sunday — Weymouth Woods / Sandhills Gamelands

Participants are to provide their own transportation, meals, and lodging and all costs associated with this field trip.

The final plan for the Day 2 sites will be determined at the end of Day 1 but will probably be in the area of Sandhills Gamelands.

Road conditions in the Sandhills Gamelands can be tricky at times but we have not had issues recently. The roads are sand and are fairly solid but after wet weather can be difficult. It is recommended that you bring additional snacks, food, and beverages as during the walk we will be away from public facilities. You can pack a picnic lunch or stop for lunch on the way. Wear long sleeves and pants, sturdy shoes or hiking footwear, and any other items you may require for a pleasant butterflying experience.

The nearest city of Southern Pines offers many upscale restaurants in addition to fast food fare. Lodging accommodations are also available in Southern Pines.

Sandhills Gamelands

NABA Count – Weymouth Woods – Sandhills NP

Meet up will be at the Visitor’s Center in the morning. This location offers a pleasant walk through stands of pine forests. Pathways are packed sand. Wearing sturdy walking or hiking shoes is recommended along with long sleeves and pants as we will go off trail in some locations to look for as many butterfly species as possible. It is recommended you use a good bug spray, wear sunscreen, and carry water with you. Be sure to bring with you those items you may need to have a pleasant experience.

It is recommended you bring a packed lunch and snacks with plenty of water. The Visitor’s Center has public restrooms and a water fountain. The nearest towns of Aberdeen and Southern Pines have many restaurants and other accommodations.

Target species for this count are the King’s and Edward’s Hairstreaks. Additional species commonly seen are Palamedes, Spicebush, and Tiger Swallowtails; Common Buckeyes, Eastern Tailed Blues and Azures, and assorted duskywings.

The results of last year’s count can be viewed here.

Photos from Weymouth Woods NABA Count 2017
Edward’s Hairstreak King’s Hairstreak

Canceled -Brunswick County / Green Swamp — Sunday

The itinerary for this day will be determined at the end of Saturday.

Link to Google Map of the Green Swamp Preserve location.

There are no public facilities or amenities at either location that will be visited during this walk. Please bring with you any beverages, snack, or food that you will require for an enjoyable experience. It is recommended that you use good bug spray, wear long sleeves and pants, sturdy or hiking shoes.

The nearest town of Supply, NC located about 10 miles away from the Green Swamp Preserve has assorted fast food restaurants. The nearest town for lodging is about 30 miles away in Wilmington, NC. Participants are responsible for their own transportation, meals, and lodging costs.