Dates:  Saturday, April 11 and Sunday, April 12, 2026

Location:  Hot Springs, NC, area

• Meeting Time:  9:30 am (Buncombe County) / 10:00 am (Madison County) – to 3:00 pm
• Meeting Spot:  For those staying in Buncombe County, we will meet at the Publix parking lot in Weaverville, NC, and leave at 9:30 am (165 Weaver Blvd., Weaverville, NC, 28787; parking lot GPS coordinates 35.7049, -82.5687).  For those staying in Madison County, meet at Broadwing Farm, 20 Berry Wills Road, Hot Springs, NC at 10:00 am. Park in front of the “event venue” building that’s located at 165 Broadwing Farm Lane, Hot Springs, NC (GPS coordinates 35.9008, -82.8291).

Description: We’ll spend two days butterflying this part of the Pisgah National Forest.  Pete Dixon will lead Day 1 (April 11) and Heather Rayburn will lead Day 2 (April 12).

Target Species: Olympia Marble, Cobweb Skipper, Duskywings, Elfins and Hairstreaks

Notes: Easy-to-moderate walking.  Normally a restroom is open at the state picnic area. Please bring water, lunch, binoculars, cameras, a hat, sunscreen, bug spray, and field guides. Long pants and close-toed shoes are highly recommended.

Trip Leaders:  Pete Dixon (day1 on April 11) and Heather Rayburn (day 2 on April 12)

Lodging & Dining Recommendations: For places to stay overnight, there are several rental cabins and B&Bs in Madison County, including Broadwing Farm.  Mars Hill has a Comfort Inn, and there is a Fairfield Inn in Weaverville (Buncombe County).  Mars Hill, Marshall, Hot Springs, and Weaverville each have a variety of restaurants and brewery taprooms, and Asheville is a foodie destination.

Sign-up:  Please contact Heather Rayburn at rayburnh@icloud.com if you are planning to attend. You can also register by using the “Register” link above.