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. But 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: 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 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 so don’t purchase one.
• Anything you may need for your comfort and safety.
Required Reading: With your ticket purchase, you confirm you have read and agree to our Waivers and Policy Agreements.
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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How Our Fees Work
Member Fee: $65
If you have an Individual membership and would like to bring a spouse/partner, please upgrade to a Family membership prior to ticket purchase.
Hemlock members: Your discount will be applied at checkout.
Please note: Hemlock Individual memberships are limited to one registration per Branch Out event. Hemlock Family members are limited to two registrations per Branch Out event. No-shows may result in future registration cancellations.
Guest Fee: $100
As a member, you are encouraged to bring along a guest. This fee includes admission to this event and an Individual Buckeye membership for your guest.
Non-Member Fee: Not available. Branch Out events are offered exclusively to GSMA members. Please purchase a membership prior to joining this event.
Questions about this event? Call 865.436.7318 extension 257 or 349 or email our Membership Department.