REGISTRATION FULL ~ A Stone’s Throw — Experience The Firefly Sanctuary, New Canaan Land Trust (Off Site)

REGISTRATION AND WAITLIST FULL

You don’t have to travel very far to learn and discover — this region is home to dozens of attractions offering history, arts and culture!

Mark Twain Library’s Stone’s Throw series highlights the very best our area has to offer. We’ll meet up at the destinations, and participate in FREE specially arranged, small group tours.

Participants must provide their own transportation to and from the event site.

Friday, June 28 (Rain Date – Friday, July 5)

FIREFLY SANCTUARY, New Canaan Land Trust

LOCATION:  33 Sleepy Hollow Road, New Canaan – Visitors should park across the street and access the property via a small footbridge on the west side of the road.

ARRIVAL TIME: 8:30 PM – We recommend starting your walk up to the preserve at 8:30 pm, while there is still daylight to help you navigate the trail.  The walk about a quarter of a mile across some uneven terrain. If you have accessibility or mobility needs, we can coordinate a drop-off.  Please contact us in advance at programming@marktwainlibrary.org

GATHERING SPOT: Firefly Field

TOUR DURATION:  At 8:45 PM, a New Canaan Land Trust guide will give a brief talk about the sanctuary and the fireflies.  Afterward, you are welcome to stay and enjoy the view.  Guests are asked to leave by 10:30 pm.

DESTINATION WEBSITE: newcanaanlandtrust.org

Fireflies Light Up the Night Sky!  Join us and experience the night sky as you have never seen it before.  During late June and early July, this field is illuminated by thousands upon thousands of fireflies. The fireflies emerge at dusk, and continue their show well into the night.  The New Canaan Land Trust’s Firefly Sanctuary is likely the first dedicated firefly preserve in the United States.

Firefly Viewing Etiquette: 

• Limiting Light Pollution: Fireflies communicate using light, so any artificial light can confuse and disorient the fireflies during their critical mating period. As such, we ask that visitors minimize their use of lights while at the sanctuary. By arriving at 8:30, visitors will be able to make it up to the viewing area without the need for a flashlight. While viewing fireflies, please limit phone use. Should you want to take pictures, please dim your screen to the lowest possible setting and turn your flash off. On your way back to your car, cover your flashlight as much as possible and keep it pointed at the ground.
• Using Insect Repellent Responsibly: Fireflies are also affected by insect repellent, so we ask that visitors apply bug spray while at the parking area. No insect repellents may be applied at the viewing area. We encourage the use of natural insect repellents, and also encourage visitors to wear long-sleeve shirts, long pants, and hats to deter insects.
• Minimizing Impacts: Staying on marked trails and sitting in the established seating areas both help to minimize our cumulative impact on the sanctuary and its residents. Fireflies that have not yet reached their adult form live on the ground, and can be easily trampled and crushed by humans walking through.

Space is limited and registration is required. Scroll to register below.