When: June 29, 2026 @ 9:00 pm
Explore the nightlife of Jackrabbit by the light of the Strawberry Moon!
The Jackrabbit Recreation Area has a vibrant night life scene, even more so during the full moon! Join us for this evening hike on the woodland and field trails in the light of the Strawberry Moon, also known as the Summer Solstice Moon! We will will hear numerous different kinds of singing frogs and insects! We may also hear nightjars calling, owls hooting in the distance, or flying squirrels chirping from the trees.
All participants will be given a red-light device (flashlight or headlamp) to use for this hike, but are also welcome to bring their own red-light device. Please do not bring standard white- or yellow- light devices because they will disrupt our night vision. The moon will be quite bright.
This walk will be about one mile on a maintained, moderate-grade trail that is medium difficulty. Roots and rocks are present in the trail, as are other hazards like poison ivy. Participants are encouraged to wear pants and closed toed shoes. A rock that is obvious in the daytime is much more subtle in the evening! We will meet at the Jackrabbit Recreation Area Trail Head at 9pm on Monday, June 29th. Map Below. We will be out until around 10:30pm-11pm
This program is weather-dependent. Email Alina with any questions. Children are welcome if they can be quiet for extended periods of time. We will be using our ears on this walk! Please leave pets at home.
This event is donation-based, with a suggested donation of $0-$10. No one will be turned away for lack of funds, but please give what you can. Your support allows us to protect the special creatures, plants, landscapes, and heritage of WNC for all to enjoy! Donations can be made online (select “upcoming event” from the dropdown box), or by cash or check at the event.
Space is limited, so please fill out the form below to register then grab your binoculars and prepare for a fun morning of finding migrating birds here in the Cherokee valley! This event is weather dependent and will be cancelled if there is heavy rain or thunder storms, but will proceed with a light drizzle. Please leave pets at home. Email Alina at [email protected] with any questions.
MEET YOUR GUIDE
As Mainspring’s Outreach Associate, Alina Martin aims to encourage the protection and appreciation of land by connecting communities to the birds, plants, mammals, amphibians, and reptiles that share our home here in the Southern Blue Ridge. Her adventures up and down the east coast have introduced her to a wide variety of habitats, and those experiences inspire her to continue nurturing her understanding of ecology. Armed with her identification knowledge and ever-increasing wonder, Alina leads a variety of educational programs here at Mainspring, and finds something curious and new each time. She is a life-long birder, all-around naturalist, and avid user of eBird and iNaturalist.
