Meet up is in the parking lot at the end of the road into the park, near the restrooms. Space is limited so please be sure to reserve your spot and RSVP.

Please wear sturdy or hiking shoes or boots, and long pants. We will be walking through tall grasses or mowed grass to better observe smaller butterflies. The terrain is relatively level in the areas we will be exploring. Other accourements are at your discretion. We recommend bringing a camera and/or binoculars for butterflying. Please bring with you any additional items you might need to have a pleasant walking experience.

If we have timed it right, there should be a lot of thistle and other flowers in bloom that will attract Great Spangled Fritillaries, Juniper Hairstreaks, assorted grass skippers, and more. This location seems to only have butterfly activity in the early part of spring. At this park we have sighted some uncommon butterflies: Harvester, Pine Elfin, Dusted Skipper, Little Yellow and large numbers of Juniper Hairstreaks.

There are also some interesting native plants, like the lily-leaf twayblade to be found along the trails. We have also observed black rat snakes and toads!

Spaces are limited for this walk so be sure to reserve your spot.

We will be meeting at the main section of Brumley Forest NP located on New Hope Church Rd. If there have been recent heavy rains the Preserve may be closed. We will provide updates to those who have reserved a space.

This walk will cover multiple areas where the first butterflies of the year can be seen. We expect to have sightings of American Ladies, Common Buckeyes, Orange Sulphurs, newly arrived Monarchs, Tiger Swallowtails, assorted early Hairstreaks, anglewings, and maybe a grass skipper or two. We will show you a known butterfly puddling spot, and if it has recently rained we may get lucky to see a gathering of Tiger Swallowtails.

Brumley has an impressive stand of common milkweeds that will be starting to grow. We might be able to see caterpillars if the spring proves to be warm.

Be sure to bring a camera as there is always something photo-worthy while hiking through the preserve. We recommend wearing hiking shoes or boots as the trails can be muddy. Bug spray is optional as it is still early in the season. Please bring beverages or a snack if you require them. A questionable port-a-potty is available. No flush toilets or other amenities. The town of Hillsborough is about three miles away.

We believe butterfly walks can be conducted as long as we uphold the recommended 6+ feet from one another and keep the group size to 10 or less. About the only time there could be crowding is when we are all trying to get a look at these very small butterflies at the same time. If we’re patient we should all be able to see these “limited time only” butterflies.

We will meet in the parking lot area near the map bulletin board. This will be a brief walk lasting about an hour. If there is interest we can look around for additional early butterflies.

This walk will take place even if the weather is cool and overcast. We have sighted the Brown and Henry’s Elfins under such conditions. Please reserve your space for this butterfly walk as spaces are limited, and if we need to contact you about any changes to the event. If needed we will add additional times to accommodate more than 10 people.

Please wear sturdy shoes or footwear designed for hiking at the trail is gravel, inclined, and uneven. Bring with you any other necessities you may require for an enjoyable walk. Amenities at this park are composting toilets.

There are numerous fast food restaurants within a mile of the park.

If you wish to photograph the Brown Elfin be sure to have a zoom lens as the butterfly is quite flighty. A close-up is possible if you are willing to patiently wait near a laurel bush. Additional sightings of anglewings, Juvenal’s Duskywings, and Mourning Cloaks are possible.

Join us for our second monthly hike at Blackwood Farm Park just outside of Hillsborough on Hwy 86!

This hike should be suitable for beginners as the trails are easily navigated and traverse gentle terrain. It is recommended to wear sturdy footwear as the natural trails may be muddy.

The total loop of 3.3 miles has been planned to fill the majority of the two hours scheduled if the group walks at a leisurely pace. There is no requirement to complete the entire distance or walk at any required speed. These walks are for socializing, and when spring and summer arrives, to conduct nature walks.

Blackwood Farm Park has public restrooms, picnic area, and 4 miles of trails on approximately 152 acres. In the spring and summer there are wildflowers, butterflies, dragonflies, birds, and more to observe while enjoying a leisurely stroll through the old farm fields.

Registration is appreciated in case there are changes or updates. If you are not a member of the Wise Wonderful Women group on Facebook and would like to join us, please register here, or consider joining us! If you are already a member, simply indicate you plan to go on the events listing. If you have any questions or comments, please contact Lori