Explore Summer Wildlife at Rolling Ridge Conservancy on July 11th
- Rolling Ridge
- Jun 26
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 2
Summer is a vibrant season filled with an abundance of wildlife and blooming flowers, especially in the stunning landscapes of Blue Ridge. On July 11 at 9 AM, the Rolling Ridge Conservancy invites nature enthusiasts to participate in a captivating event dedicated to observing and documenting the diverse summer flora and fauna. This event will focus on the colorful wildflowers, active birds, and fluttering butterflies that thrive in the warm months. Participants will utilize the iNaturalist app to record their findings, making it an excellent chance to immerse oneself in nature, learn about local species, and contribute to citizen science efforts.
Event Details
Join us on July 11 at 9 AM at Friends Wilderness Center, 305 Friends Way, Harpers Ferry, WV.
What to Expect
Documentation of summer blooming flowers
Observation of local bird species
Butterfly identification and tracking
Why Participate?
Enhance your knowledge of local biodiversity
Engage in hands-on citizen science
Connect with fellow nature lovers
Don't miss this opportunity to explore the beauty of summer wildlife and flowers in the Blue Ridge area!
Discovering Summer Blooming Flowers
Summer brings a unique set of wildflowers that thrive in the moist, shaded stream valleys of the Rolling Ridge Conservancy. Participants will have the chance to spot several interesting plants, including:
Broad-winged Thistle: Essential for its ecosystem, this thistle offers sustenance and habitat for diverse species, all while displaying eye-catching floral beauty.
Ghost Pipe: : A fascinating plant that lacks chlorophyll, giving it a ghostly white appearance, which thrives in shaded, forested areas and derives nutrients from mycorrhizal fungi rather than through photosynthesis.
Naked-flowered Tick-Trefoil: Has small, pinkish-purple flowers that bloom in clusters, but typically lack petals, giving them a 'naked' appearance.
Screwstems: Produce small, tubular flowers that can vary in color, attracting various pollinators.
These plants enhance the area's beauty and also contribute to local ecosystems by offering food and shelter to insects and other wildlife.
Spotting Summer Butterflies and Moths
The event also offers a chance to observe some of the region’s colorful butterfly and moth species active during summer. Species to watch for include:
Red Admiral: A strikingly patterned butterfly that is known for its unusually calm nature, often
allowing close observation and even landing on humans as perches.
Eastern Tiger Swallowtail: Known for their striking patterns and colors, these butterflies can be spotted resting on leaves or flying low over the vegetation.
Beautiful Wood Nymph: A moth known for its mimicry of bird droppings, found frequently on Virginia creeper.
Virginian Tiger Moth: A strikingly elegant, snowy-white moth, which features a remarkably plush, "furry" thorax and hidden bright orange abdomen segments.
Delicate Cycnia Moth: Also a white moth with a plush thorax. Its caterpillars feed on toxic dogbane and milkweed making them taste terrible to bats.
Both the Virginian Tiger Moth and Delicate Cycnia Moth possess specialized acoustic organs that emit ultrasonic clicks that warn bats of their distatefullness and may serve to jam bat's sonar.
Using iNaturalist, participants can photograph and log these insects, helping scientists track their populations and distribution.
What to Bring and How to Prepare
To make the most of the event, consider the following tips:
Wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for uneven terrain.
Bring water and snacks to stay hydrated and energized.
Carry a hat, sunscreen, and insect repellant for protection from bugs like ticks.
Have a smartphone or camera ready for taking photos.
Dress in layers to adjust to changing weather conditions.
The event is suitable for all ages and experience levels, making it a great outing for families, students, and nature enthusiasts.
RSVP
All are welcome, and reservations are not required. However, it is always great to know you are coming, so please click the button below if you plan to join us:
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