There are few times when we are entirely just observers of nature. Sure we are surrounded by it all the time- walking through the grass in our yards, passing by trees on the road, hearing a bird call on the way while out running an errand. But sitting with it and observing nature, fully immersed within it, is unusual and extraordinary.
Earlier this week, we did just that. My husband, son, a group of friends, and I saw the most fantastic thing I’ve ever seen in nature. We walked a mile into the woods and watched, right around dusk and into the evening, synchronized fireflies decent on North Mississippi and put on a light show like no other. I can’t put it into words- their beauty, but if you ever can witness such a thing, please take a few hours and be with the wonder and the magic. Unfortunately, their numbers are decreasing, I’m assuming because of light pollution and deforestation, so the window to witness this marvel is getting smaller and smaller. Jump below to learn more about these fantastical creatures. - Erin
The lottery to see the fireflies in the Great Smokey Mountains has passed, but maybe look into it for next year? You can learn more here all the same.
Here’s a video of the fireflies in action.
Here’s a round-up of where to catch them and when. Mississippi isn’t on the list, but we certainly saw them lighting up the woods in Oxford.
I certainly hope you get to see them, too, at some point. It was truly marvelous.
Shout out to my dear friend, Aimee Nezhukumatahil, who invited us to join them to see the fireflies. She’s a poet and the NYT best-selling author of World of Wonders.
As always, thank you so much for being here with me and being a part of this community. If you’ve enjoyed this post, please share it with your communities so that I can continue to bring you more and more Field Trip content. I have so many ideas that I want to share with you, and the more I engage here, the more content that I can bring you throughout the month. Thank you! -Erin