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 Smoky Mountains. We will learn to identify family groups of butterflies that we find 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—At this Branch Out event, you will have a light-impact experience requiring some physical activity.

Distance: Less than 2 miles

Meeting Location: Cades Cove Orientation Shelter

Settings & Terrain:

• Uneven trails
• Potential hazards, including exposed roots, downed trees, and rocks
• Potential wildlife presence, including large fauna, insects, and snakes

Recommended Gear:

(We will not be far from our vehicles so we will not have to carry everything.)

• Bring plenty of water, lunch, sunscreen, and sun hat. 
• Wear long, sturdy pants (not stretchy, yoga type pants) and sturdy closed toe shoes/boots.  The fields are full of thorns, uneven ground, holes, stinging insects, etc.
• Field Guides of favorite topics are nice.  We will bring some field guides to share.
• Camera
• Binoculars
• Small day pack to carry anything you may want to keep with you.
• Can bring a lawn chair.
• Bring a large, hooped insect net if you have one. We will have extra nets to share too. 
• Anything you may need for your comfort and safety.