Mark your calendars!  The 2008 Roan Mountain Butterfly Count will be held on the usual third Saturday of July, that is July 19, 2008.  Anyone may participate, no experience is necessary.  We will meet at 10 am at the Visitors' Center in Roan Mountain State Park, then make our way to Hampton Creek Cove State Natural Area.  Lunch can be had at Mad Martha's Restaurant in the village, followed by an ascent to the Rhododendron Gardens with the hope to see lots of high elevation butterflies.  If time allows, more areas in the State Park and village may be visited later in the afternoon. One should always be prepared for inclement weather at the top of the mountain just in case.  Be aware, there is a small fee per car to enter the Gardens area.  There is also a small fee per adult that goes to the hosting organization, the North American Butterfly Association (NABA).  A report is published of all counts in the country and may be ordered from NABA as well.  Who knows, perhaps this will be the year we report some rarity or new record.  Come be a part of the fun!

 Don Holt, compiler

  (423) 483-0470