Where do we meet and park for the tours? PARKING AND DIRECTIONS
What is the tour about? While the focus of the tour is the regal fritillary butterfly, its habitat, and ecology, we will draw attention to other insects, birds, reptiles, and native plants. We will discuss how the military mission and conservation coincide and how this butterfly and other grassland species persist here because of military training.
What should I expect from the tour? The tour will be BY FOOT over field mowed grass trails and gravel trails. The route has little to no shade. Tours will last approximately 1 hour, plus driving time to and from the site. Tour groups must stay with their guides and be escorted back to the meeting location to check out when the tour is complete.
What about weather? The tours will be held rain or shine. No rain dates will be held. Please remember that butterflies hide in the vegetation when it is actively raining, cold, or windy, but we will still view the grassland habitat in inclement weather. Please bring appropriate clothing and gear for unpredictable weather.
What facilities will be available? Portable toilets will be available, modern restroom facilities will not be.
What should I wear and bring? Required: Drinking water, your permit for checking in and out. Recommended: Sunscreen, appropriate (closed-toe) footwear and clothing, hat, sunglasses, bug spray
What is the pet policy? Pets are NOT permitted on the tour.
Why do I need to register for the tour? For the interest of the attendees' overall experience, we have reformatted the tours from previous years. Smaller tour groups provide a better and more personal experience for attendees and staff. If you show up for the tour without registering, you will not be permitted to attend.
When should I arrive? Please arrive no more than 15 minutes before your scheduled tour. Tours will depart promptly at the scheduled time.
What should I do upon my arrival? When you arrive, please park and remain in your vehicle. FIG staff will come to your vehicle to check you in. Attendees will caravan/convoy to the grassland habitat in their PERSONAL VEHICLES, guided by FIG vehicles.
Why does my child have to register? Registration mirrors the policies of our outdoor recreation program- which requires all youth 13 and older to register, sign a hold harmless, and acquire a permit. Children 12 and under should be registered and have a hold harmless filled out by their parent or guardian. When registering a child, we suggest that parents/guardians use their own email address and password in an effort to make the credentials easier to remember.
Why am I only allowed to get one permit? With limited attendance for each date, we want to ensure that the opportunity to attend a tour is extended to as many people as possible. You will not be permitted to attend more than one tour per year.
Why use iSportsman for registration? The FIG wildlife office has been using this program for 8 years to successfully and confidentially manage 6000+ participants in the outdoor recreation program. Since 2007, iSportsman has been implemented by 26 installations across the USA to manage civilian outdoor recreation use. This switch streamlines the registration process for attendees and FIG wildlife staff.
What information will I have to provide to register? You will need to provide your name, date of birth, and email address and create a unique username and password. Your personal information is confidential and will not be shared or used for any reason except for the tour.
What if I need special accommodations? The tours are for all ages, however, due to the nature of the terrain, we ask those who cannot walk (due to age, medical conditions or injury) to reconsider attending. Please reach out to FIG staff at RA-DMVA-Wildlife@pa.gov after you register to inquire about possible accommodations.
Where can I direct my tour-specific questions? Please email RA-DMVA-Wildlife@pa.gov.