Butterflies at the McNair (Langley River) Site

Butterfly © Pete Pastika

Date:
Saturday, July 18, 2009
(will be cancelled in the event of rain)

Time:
12:00 - 4:00 p.m.

Overview:
The McNair Site is home to almost all known species of butterflies in northeast Minnesota. Join us for an informal survey of butterflies and learn the connection between novelist Vladimir Nabokov and the McNair Site. Pat Thomas and Ron Huber, members of the Northern Crescents Chapter of the North American Butterfly Association, will co-lead our trip.

Before The Nature Conservancy purchased what was called the Langley River site from the J.C. Campbell Company, it was a logging camp. Although the Conservancy transferred it to the U.S. Forest Service, the interest was and is butterflies. Logging activities created a favorable environment for them, and fifty species both common and rare have been found at McNair Site, including the rare northern blue. 

What to Bring:
Water, a snack, head net, backpack, and close focusing binoculars.

Insect repellent and butterfly nets are not recommended.

Field guides you might find helpful: Butterflies of the North Woods (2nd edition) by Larry Weber and The Kaufmann Field Guide to Butterflies of North America.

Registration/Information:
This event is free. There is no size limit.
RSVP by July 10 to: Jana Pastika, (218) 727-6119 or jpastika@tnc.org.

Location/Directions:
Meet at the Northshore Visitor Information Center in Duluth.
Pull over at the intersection of London Road and the Lester River. We will carpool from there to the site 20 miles north of Two Harbors. If you will be joining us from north of Duluth, please contact the Conservancy's Duluth office at (218) 727-6119 for driving directions and/or carpooling options.