The Wildlife Department’s Hackberry Flat Center near Frederick will be dedicating the first seven days of October to migrating monarch butterflies. “We’ll be tagging monarchs during our morning activities and watching the butterflies come to a roost in the evenings,” said Melynda Hickman, biologist for the Wildlife Department. “There will be multiple chances to join us throughout the week.”
Morning Tagging: After a discussion of butterfly basics, monarchs collected from the area will be tagged as a group. Meet at the Hackberry Flat Center promptly at 9 a.m. Oct. 2, 5, 6, and 7 for this hands-on activity.
Evening Roost Watch: An open air trailer will take visitors to a longtime monarch roost within the Hackberry Flat Wildlife Management Area. Meet at the Hackberry Flat Center by 6:30 p.m. Oct. 1, 4, 5, and 6. Bring a collapsible chair and light jacket for your comfort. Children must be at least 8 years old to participate in the evening roost watch. Pets are not allowed.
Both morning and evening activities will be held regardless of weather conditions, but morning tagging activities will be limited to the number of butterflies available at the roost site. Updates of the monarch migration status will be posted daily on the Friends of Hackberry Flat Facebook page.
To get to Hackberry Flat Center, from the south side of Frederick, take U.S. 183 south for one mile, then go east on Airport Road for three miles. Follow the blacktop road south and continue six miles. Watch for signs to the Center.
Registration is not required for this free event. For more information about this event, or other educational programs held at Hackberry Flat Center, contact Hickman at [email protected].
Designated school days will be held Oct. 3 – 4. Contact Tammi Schrick to make reservations.
