Stewards and Storytellers: Bioluminescence In Western North Carolina

Event Details

The Southern Appalachians can boast of one of the most intriguing spectacles in nature: the annual emergence of Blue Ghost Fireflies. These tiny insects emerge from mid-May to mid-June and glow eerily in the moist forests of the region. Combine their unearthly glow with absolute silence, and you can almost believe in fairies if you are lucky enough to witness the blue ghosts. But these are not the only fireflies you might see in Western North Carolina, nor are they the only creatures that produce curious forms of bioluminescence. Come out and learn more about fireflies, railroad worms, touch-wood, foxfire, and other creatures that glow in the dark with our local biodiversity expert, Dr. Jennifer Frick-Ruppert.

What to Expect at the Lecture Series

When you arrive at the FIND Outdoors Headquarters in the NEST (Suite 3), you’ll be welcomed at the door for check-in before settling in for a free community lecture event. Enjoy complimentary drinks and refreshments while learning about a variety of outdoor topics throughout this multi-part lecture series.

Due to overwhelming demand, this event is at capacity as of June 10, 2026.

Thank you to our event sponsor: