The public will have an opportunity to see the only viable colony of Regal Fritillary butterflies in the Eastern U.S. during free, guided tours July 12, 16, 18, and 19 at Fort Indiantown Gap, Annville.

“Fort Indiantown Gap is one of the busiest National Guard Training centers in the country,” said Col. Robert Hodgson, commander of the Fort Indiantown Gap National Guard Training Site. “And although the primary purpose of the installation is the training of soldiers for their combat mission, we also place a very high priority being environmentally friendly and conserving precious land and ecosystems for the future.

“Our annual Regal Fritillary butterfly walks allow visitors to experience this rare colony as well as the other many natural spectacles that abound on post.”

In addition to the Regal Fritillary, Fort Indiantown Gap provides habitat for 36 species of mammals, 122 breeding species of birds, 34 species of reptiles and amphibians, 25 species of fish, 792 species of plants, and many notable species of invertebrates including 83 species of butterflies and 237 species of moths. This includes excellent populations of deer, turkey, bear, bobcat, rabbit, squirrel, wild trout, amphibians, reptiles, small mammals and songbirds.

The installation covers more than 17,000 acres, including more than 3,000 acres of native grassland habitat – the largest in the commonwealth.

In order to facilitate wildlife photographers and provide for more comfortable weather, the walks on July 12 and 16 will be from 9 a.m. to noon and the walks on July 18 and 19 will be from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Tours will leave from the Fort Indiantown Gap Community Club, located at the intersection of Fisher and Clement avenues (Rt. 934) each day. A brief orientation meeting will be held at the club prior to each guided tour.

For more information call the DMVA Wildlife Office at 717-861-2449.

Link: Fort Indiantown Gap Wins National Conservation Award

6/29/2007