When: May 23, 2025 @ 7:30 pm
Support Mainspring while enjoying a private viewing of the rare Blue Ghost fireflies!
Conservationists, lightning bug enthusiasts, and good-ol-fashioned nature lovers are invited to Dark Cove, a private property protected by conservation easement, for an exclusive show of Blue Ghost fireflies. These fireflies are a rare species that give the nighttime forest a blueish, magical aura. They fly slowly close to the ground and, instead of flashing like other lightning bugs, stay illuminated for up to a minute! True to its name, Dark Cove is shrouded by a dense canopy of towering hardwoods, making it the perfect place to enjoy these magical insects. Blue Ghost fireflies are only found in a small section of the Southern Appalachians; they live right here, and nowhere else in the world. This is an event you don’t want to miss!
We will meet at Sugar Creek Baptist Church in Cullowhee (40 Sugar Creek Rd, Cullowhee, NC 28723) at 7:30pm sharp on Friday, May 23rd. Guests will be shuttled to the event location, and will be greeted by a crackling campfire and s’mores supplies! As the sun sinks low, we will savor a sweet treat (or two, or three) around the fire, and a naturalist will deliver an introductory talk on lightning bugs, with a special focus on the Blue Ghosts. As true darkness sets in around 9:00pm, guests will be invited to wander the property to take in the bioluminescent show. Total walking distance should be less than one mile at most, and red light devices will be provided for use during the event. These fireflies generally peak from 9:30pm to 10:30pm. Starting at 10:30pm, shuttles will be available to take guests back to their cars. The event will formally conclude at 11:00pm.
Tickets for this event are $75 and include s’mores, a shuttle to-and-from the event location, and a red light device to use during the event. Space is limited, so mark your calendar! Head to our ticket purchase page to secure your spot (this link will take you to a different page.) Email Skye with any questions.
Please note:
- This event is rain or shine. Blue Ghost fireflies enjoy dampness, and will still be flying in light showers. Bring a rain jacket and waterproof shoes if there’s rain in the forecast! If the weather prevents a crackling campfire, we will move our sweet treat portion of the evening inside, and guests will enjoy a longer introductory talk on lightning bugs.
- In case of severe weather– including downpours, lightning, dangerously high winds, nearby fire, and other weather concerns as appropriate- an alternative date will be selected. Refunds will be issued to anyone who cannot attend on the new date.
- There are (very friendly) dogs present on this property. Please leave your own pets at home.
- Blue Ghost fireflies are wild animals. Though they have been active on this date in previous years, we cannot guarantee that they will be viewable during this event. In the absence of Blue Ghosts, guests are still likely to see an beautiful display of the world-renowned Synchronous Fireflies.
