The Carolina Butterfly Society Midlands Chapter will hold a butterfly walk on Saturday, August 9, 2025, to areas near Aiken, South Carolina.  We will drive along Gum Swamp Road and stop at various locations along the road to explore areas of interest (or wherever we see butterflies). Our target species are the Texan Crescent, Tawny Emperor, and Hackberry Emperor, but we will also be looking for other summer butterflies as well.

We will meet at the Kathwood Lakes parking area (GPS coordinates 33.3373, -81.8435) of the Silver Bluff Audubon Center and Sanctuary. We will leave some cars at this location and consolidate the number of vehicles. Kathwood Lakes is located on Silver Bluff Road just before the paved road turns to dirt and approximately 200 yards after crossing the railroad tracks coming south. Kathwood Lakes is the name Google Maps uses for the bodies of water at this location.

If you are coming from the north, Beech Island is the nearest place with bathrooms, places to eat and gas stations. If coming from the south, Jackson is the nearest place for these items. If coming from the east down Silver Bluff Road, (SC 302), Aiken will be the last town on your way. Jackson will be to your south on SC 125 if you need to stop just prior to the meeting spot.

No restrooms are available along Gum Swamp Road. John Demko will lead. Either register on the CBS website or RSVP to John at the email address below if you plan to participate. Please bring water, lunch, binoculars, cameras and field guides. Sunscreen, bug spray, long pants and close-toed shoes are highly recommended.