Fort Indiantown Gap announces free guided 2019 tours of rare regal fritillary butterfly habitat

Fort Indiantown Gap
Courtesy Story

Date: 05.28.2019
Posted: 05.28.2019 10:10
News ID: 324117
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FORT INDIANTOWN GAP, Pa. – This July, visitors are invited to see the only population of regal fritillary butterflies in the eastern United States at Fort Indiantown Gap National Guard Training Center, Annville, Lebanon County. The tours allow the public a guided opportunity to see this rare butterfly and its associated grassland habitat on military training ranges.

Free guided tours will be offered on July 5, 6, 12, and 13. No reservations are required, and no rain dates will be scheduled. Please arrive no later than 9:30 am. To navigate to parking (Strickler Field: GPS coordinates in decimal degrees North 40.439388, West -76.594278), turn onto Asher Miner Road at the intersection of Asher Miner and Fisher Ave, Annville, PA 17003 (N 40.4214, W -76.577), located 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.

Upon arrival, attendees will be instructed to park their vehicles in a caravan style. Prior to the tour, attendees must fill out necessary paperwork (be prepared to provide vehicle make, model, year, color, license plate state/number, and insurance carrier information,) and attend a mandatory safety/orientation briefing. Wildlife staff and tour attendees will then return to their vehicles and caravan to the tour site.

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 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.

For more information about the tours (including a map with parking locations), or the regal fritillary butterfly, visit www.ftig.pa.gov and click on "Butterfly Tours" under the "Trending" section. General inquiries about the tours can be directed to RA-DMVA-Wildlife@pa.gov or (717) 861-3299.

MEDIA CONTACT: Pennsylvania National Guard Public Affairs Office, 717-861-8352 (Tour-specific questions should be directed to RA-DMVA-Wildlife@pa.gov / 717-861-3299)