Firefly Forest Walk

Let’s Explore: Cook Forest Firefly Walk
Over a dozen species of fireflies have been identified in the region. Join scientists and the CFC at twilight to search for several species of fireflies inhabiting Cook Forest’s various ecosystems. This hike may possibly include the wondrous and elusive synchronous firefly, verified to inhabit the forests of the Pennsylvania Wilds only recently. Learn about fireflies, and how to help protect their habitat.
Following an educational presentation, we’ll be walking in the dark over uneven terrain, so bring your flashlights – red-light capable if possible. There will be supplies to make a custom, removable red-light filter, so you can see better at night and disturb wildlife less. Please also wear closed-toe shoes, and have a light jacket and a water bottle along.
This event is FREE and open to all – however, this night hike is not ideal for children younger than middle-school age. Donations will support the CFC and its Dark Sky initiatives. To that end:
>> Please, no photography, including cell phone cameras <<
Both fireflies and our eyes are photo-sensitive, and any white light is disruptive. Help us protect firefly habitat and their mating season by keeping all light to a minimum.
Firefly Forest Walk: 8 pm, Monday, 21 June 2021
in beautiful Cook Forest State Park, Pennsylvania. The firefly walk is likely to last about three hours.
This event is limited to 25 attendees – RSVP is required, either via the Facebook event linked here, or via email to info@cookforestconservancy.org. The firefly walk meeting location and approx. GPS coordinates will be sent to registrants. Thank you!
>> Weather Warning & Rain Date <<
Rain doesn’t deter fireflies, so the event will carry on as scheduled unless thunder & lightning occurs. If there’s a thunderstorm on Monday, we’ll reschedule for 8:00 – 11:00 pm, Wednesday, 23 June 2021, at the same location.
Temperature, however, does affect lighting bug lighting, so cooler temperatures mean less firefly activity. Below about sixty degrees, we may not see any – so hope for a clear, warm, dark night.
NB re: CORONAVIRUS – By attending, participants assume responsibility for any and all risk due to possible exposure to COVID-19. Please DO NOT attend if you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 in the last 2 weeks.
This event is a collaboration of the Cook Forest Conservancy; the DCNR of Cook Forest State Park; and Bruce Parkhurst, a very generous firefly specialist.