Imagine spending a day in Cades Cove chasing butterflies while helping with conservation efforts for monarch butterflies! Monarchs are an iconic American butterfly known the world over. It is the only butterfly that makes a true migration every single fall, and this migration occurs only in North America where the butterfly can travel over 2,000 miles to its winter destination.
As the media has been reporting, this natural event is considered endangered. We will share detailed information about the monarch butterfly, its life cycle, migration, and when monarchs are expected to be seen in the Great Smoky Mountains. We will learn to identify family groups of butterflies found in Cades Cove. You will also learn of several citizen science projects you can join to help monarch conservation here in the Smokies or from your own home.
Guide Wanda DeWaard
Activity Rating Easy Active: A light-impact experience requiring some physical activity.
Distance 1–2 miles (1.6–3.2 km)
Meeting Location Cades Cove Orientation Shelter (view map). There will be an option to carpool throughout Cades Cove.
Event Location Cades Cove
Settings and Terrain
- Uneven trails
- Potential hazards, including exposed roots, downed trees, and rocks
- Potential wildlife presence, including large fauna, insects, and snakes
What to Bring
For this activity:
- Applicable field guides of interest
- Camera and binoculars
- Large, hooped net if you have one
Required gear for all activities:
- Comfortable and sturdy shoes/boots
- Long, sturdy pants
- Rain gear and dress in layers for potentially changing weather
- Sun protection (sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)
- Trekking poles or hiking staff to aid stability
- Food and plenty of water
About Your Guide
Wanda DeWaard is an outdoor educator who has shared Earth Kinship and Outdoor Education with community groups, schools, camps, environmental centers and teacher conferences since 1975. She has been chasing monarchs since 1995, but anything and everything in the natural world brings out her enthusiasm and contagious sense of fun.
Wanda has created and directed youth and family programs throughout the United States, Canada, and Germany. Her experience includes time as a survival school instructor and camp director, 35 years as wilderness EMT, and NPS volunteer since 1996. She assisted in synchronous firefly research at Elkmont before the Park began to close the area, served as Program Director at Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont, and has been an instructor for UT Smoky Mountains Field School since 1997. She has also served as the Executive Director for the American Camp Association Heart of the South.
Required Reading
Event Disclaimer
This information has been designed to be as accurate as possible; however, all programs are subject to change for multiple reasons, including weather.
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Member Fee $45
Guest Fee $85
As a member, you are encouraged to bring along a guest. This fee includes admission to this event and a Park Keeper membership for your guest.