Tag Monarch Butterflies on their Way to Mexico This Weekend, AOA Hintz Hollow Preserve, Fairfield County

A key part of AOA’s mission is dedicated to inspiring a love of nature in future generations. As part of this effort AOA is sponsoring a citizen science event to track Monarch butterflies as they pass through our area on their way to their ultimate destination – Mexico!

We will meet at the 220-acre Hintz Hollow Preserve in Fairfield County, which is part of AOA’s Hocking River Conservation Corridor Initiative.  AOA has established habitats for pollinators and migratory butterflies in the former agricultural fields on this site. AOA board member Susan Clay will lead the tagging activities while enlightening us with interesting facts about Monarchs.

We’ll have nets on hand for participants to capture wild monarchs for tagging. You can read more about the importance of this citizen science project at https://monarchwatch.org/tagging/.

This is a family friendly event which will appeal to all ages – including the young and young at heart. It is free and open to the public.  Participants are welcome to stay and explore the beautiful Hintz Hollow Preserve site further following the tagging activities.

NOTE:  The weather looks great at this point.  However, this event could be postponed or cancelled for inclement weather as butterflies will not be active during rain.  If weather conditions are not conducive for the event, attendees will be notified through their registration contact information.

Time:  The tagging activities will start at 1:00 and continue until we run out of tags or butterflies to tag.

What to Bring:  Drinks of your choice, snacks, lunch for those wanting to picnic on-site. Dress appropriately for walking in prairie fields. There will be mowed paths.  Hats and/or sunscreen are advisable.

Insect Repellants are Unsafe:  Insect repellant is usually recommended during tick season – but do not use if you will be handling butterflies.  No insect repellants are safe to use during tagging activities.  Even small amounts from pet treatment can harm butterflies.  AOA will have gloves available for all to use to protect the butterflies from inadvertent contact.

RSVP Requested.  Participants are requested to RSVP for this event.  You can RSVP to Al Altfater by email at altfater@sbcglobal.net or by phone at 614.783.0220.  Please include the names, phone numbers and emails for anyone you want to register for the event.

Location:  Hintz Hollow Preserve is located in southern Fairfield County in the northern extent of the Hocking Hills landscapes.  It lies just north and east of Sugar Grove, along Old Logan Road, off Highway 33 and directly west of the Flight of the Hawk Park. We will enter from the rear gate to the property.  Turn west off Old Logan Road onto Brookdale Road SE.  Turn left onto South Street SE, go to the end of the street and enter the Hintz Hollow Preserve through the entrance gate. Drive back to the old farmhouse where AOA volunteers will help to direct parking. You can follow AOA signs which will be placed at the road intersections.

Google Map Link to South Street Entrance:  https://www.google.com/maps/place/4498+South+St+SE,+Lancaster,+OH+43130/@39.6576917,-82.5683561,191m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x88478ca978c2338b:0x826abe357ddce27d!8m2!3d39.6576907!4d-82.5677124?entry=ttu