- This event has passed.
Tag Monarch Butterflies on their Way to Mexico This Weekend
September 16, 2023 @ 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Please join us for a citizen science event being held to track the Monarch butterflies as they pass through the area on their way to their ultimate destination – Mexico!
We will meet at the 220-acre Hintz Hollow Preserve in southern 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/. Thanks to former board member Kathy Cubert for obtaining the monarch tags.
Part of AOA’s mission is dedicated to inspiring a love of nature in future generations. Each participant will receive a milkweed plant for your yard to support the monarchs in next year’s migration. These plants were generously donated by Gale Martin with Natives in Harmony nursery.
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 preserve site further following the tagging activities.
Time: The tagging activities will start at 1:00 and continue until we run out of tags or butterflies to tag.
Registration is Required. Please click on the link below to register on Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/monarch-tagging-at-hintz-hollow-tickets-712986139737
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.
What to Bring: Drinks of your choice, snacks, lunch for those wanting to picnic on-site. Dress appropriately for walking in prairie fields. Insect repellant is recommended during tick season – but only if you will not be handling butterflies. Hats and/or sunscreen are advisable.
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.