Monarch Walk
October 3 @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Hosted by Fauquier County Parks & Recreation
Join Fauquier County Parks & Recreation at the Piedmont Memorial Overlook, where PEC’s Wildlife Habitat Program Manager October Greenfield will lead a meadow walk to look for monarch butterflies migrating to their winter location in the Highlands of Mexico. We’ll also be releasing monarchs hatched at the Parks and Rec office!
About the Piedmont Memorial Overlook
The Piedmont Memorial Overlook sits within a large block of privately and publicly protected land along the Blue Ridge Mountains that is a patchwork of forest, livestock pasture, and mountainous fields. The land was actively farmed from the late 18th century until the recent past, and was heavily grazed by cattle.
In 2012, PEC began an extensive restoration effort on the 50-acre parcel with funding from the USDA, first eliminating fescue and other non-native plants from the pasture, and then seeding native grasses and wildflowers. The property now serves as an active demonstration site for landowners who are interested in viewing habitat restoration practices.
The 15+ acre native meadow is home to songbirds, butterflies, raptors, bees and black bears. It was planted with 16 native wildflower species that provide forage for pollinators and habitat for grassland and shrubland birds. PEC manages the meadow using prescribed fire, late winter mowing, and invasive species monitoring.