It’s June, and that means it’s time for synchronous fireflies. I don’t know about you, but there are few summer icons as exciting for me as fireflies. I still hand out glass jars to the neighborhood kids as darkness descends over our backyard, and we wait for the first blinking lights of summer happiness to appear. If you love this time of year as much as I do, the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation has an event going on that you do not want to miss. Read below for details.
Appalachian Forests are always a thing of beauty, and sometimes even mystery. There are only a few locations in the Appalachians that are known for synchronous fireflies, but research has shown that they prefer maturing cove hardwood forests, like those found on Grandfather Mountain.
Synchronous fireflies are a unique species of fireflies, Photinus carolinus, that can synchronize their flashes when large populations of males come together in the same location looking for mates. You can read more here about this species of firefly. Want to know more about how the rare synchronous firefly was discovered on Grandfather Mountain. Read the Q&As about firefly forecasting, and this unique discovery here.
The Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation is hosting three events at the end of June, which will be a great opportunity for those of us who get really excited about fireflies this time of year. Please note that there is limited attendance for these events, so you must register for the firefly lottery. Use the link provided and make sure you enter right away. You do not want to miss this year’s Grandfather Glows Event!
The last day to register is Monday, May 27th
