On July 5, 6, 12, and 13, visitors are invited to see the only population of regal fritillary butterflies in the eastern United States at Fort Indiantown Gap National Guard Training Center, Annville, Lebanon County.

The Regal Fritillary is just one of the many rare species that can be found at the Gap and is the official symbol for the PA Natural Heritage Program.

Fort Indiantown Gap provides habitat for more than 100 species of conservation concern in Pennsylvania.

Fort Indiantown Gap also provides habitats for 40 species of mammals, 143 breeding species of birds, 36 species of reptiles and amphibians, 27 species of fish, more than 800 species of plants and many notable species of invertebrates to include 86 species of butterflies and 386 species of moths.

The regal fritillary butterfly tours, which have been offered for more than 10 years, are on military training ranges on the 17,000-acre military post which serves as the Pennsylvania National Guard’s headquarters.

The butterfly tours allow the public a guided opportunity to see this rare butterfly and its associated grassland habitat on military training ranges.

Tours will last approximately three hours, but attendees can leave earlier if necessary. Visitors of all ages and abilities are welcome. Tours will be on foot on gravel roads and mowed paths; wandering off the path, into the fields is prohibited.

Please wear appropriate clothing and footwear for uneven terrain, and consider bringing insect repellent, sunscreen and other personal comfort items. Drinking water will be provided.

No reservations are required, and no rain dates will be scheduled. Please arrive no later than 9:30 a.m.

To navigate to parking (Strickler Field: GPS coordinates in decimal degrees North 40.439388, West -76.594278), turn onto Asher Miner Road at the intersection of Asher Miner and Fisher Ave, Annville, PA 17003 (N 40.4214, W -76.577), located north of the entrance to the National Cemetery. “Wildlife Event” signs, wildlife staff, and volunteers will direct attendees to the parking area and provide additional instructions.

Upon arrival, attendees will be instructed to park their vehicles in a caravan style. Prior to the tour, attendees must fill out necessary paperwork (be prepared to provide vehicle make, model, year, color, license plate state/number, and insurance carrier information,) and attend a mandatory safety/orientation briefing.

Wildlife staff and tour attendees will then return to their vehicles and caravan to the tour site.

For more information about the tours (including a map with parking locations), visit the Fort Indiantown Gap Butterfly Tours webpage. General inquiries about the tours can be directed by email to: RA-DMVA-Wildlife@pa.gov  or call 717-861-3299.

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[Posted: June 7, 2019]

6/10/2019