Discover Life in America, a non-profit housed within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, sponsors firefly events allowing the public to experience the wonder and mystery of the flashing synchronous firefly phenomenon. These events will be held on a beautiful property in the Norton Creek Sanctuary neighboring the National Park boundaries. Guests will have exclusive access to the property in a picnic-like setting. Food and drink are included in the ticket price, as well as access to a firefly expert who will be on site giving a presentation and answering questions.
Executive Director of DLIA, Todd Witcher, explains that of 19 species of fireflies, 12 ‘flash,’ as a result of a chemical reaction in the insect’s lower abdominal organs, called bioluminescence. To learn more about this interesting creature and see it in action during the synchronous light display unique to southern Appalachia, join DLIA on one of these dates.
Get your tickets today, as space is limited and the event typically sells out quickly! The cost is $150 per person, and the money benefits DLIA’s biodiversity research and conservation efforts in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This is a rain or shine event, and tickets are non-refundable. For reservations or more information, e-mail Todd at todd@dlia.org or call 865-430-4757.
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DLIA’s mission is to discover and understand America’s species through science and education. DLIA’s flagship project, the All Taxa Biodiversity Inventory, is a joint effort with the NPS to identify and record every single species within Great Smoky Mountains National Park. To date DLIA has helped discover over 9,187 new species to the park’s records and 983 new to science. | |