Visitors of all ages have the opportunity to see a rare Regal Fritillary butterfly on June 29, 30 and July 6, 7 guided tours of the PA National Guard’s Fort Indiantown Gap facility in 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 also provides a wide variety of 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.
Fort Indiantown Gap also provides habitat for more than 100 species of conservation concern in Pennsylvania.
The tours, which have been offered for more than 10 years, allow the public to see this rare butterfly and its associated rare grassland habitat on military training ranges, as well as many other natural wonders on the 17,000-acre military post, which serves as the Pennsylvania National Guard’s headquarters.
No reservations are required and no rain dates will be scheduled. Please arrive no later than 9:30 a.m.
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 of the path, into the fields is prohibited.
Please wear appropriate clothing and footwear for uneven terrain, and consider bringing insect repellent, sun screen and other personal comfort items. Drinking water will be provided.
To navigate to parking, turn onto Asher Miner Road at the intersection of Asher Miner and Fisher Avenue in Annville (GPS coordinates in decimal degrees: North 40.4214, West -76.577), located immediately 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. Note: parking will be in different locations on Fridays vs. Saturdays, but the directions above pertain to all tour days.
Click Here for the full announcement and other background information. General inquiries about the tours can be directed by email to: RA-DMVA-Wildlife@pa.gov or call 717-861-2449.
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