Field Trips & Tours
Experience an array of fall wildflower colors and butterflies during an off-site, expert-led half-day field trip on Friday, October 23. You can also be among the few to see places that are normally off limits to the public via a special V.I.P. tour of the Florida Museum of Natural History and the McGuire Center for Lepidoptera and Biodiversity.
PLEASE NOTE: Pre-registration is required and is now closed.
Off-Site Field Trips
Butterflies and Birds Field Trip
Friday, Oct. 23 | 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Cost: $25 members/$28 non-members
Guides: Dr. Jaret Daniels, Thomas Allen
Join butterfly field guide author Dr. Jaret Daniels and butterfly and wildlife expert Thomas Allen as you experience Florida butterflies
and birds in their natural habitat. Discover winged wonders of Morningside Nature Center and interact with the experts during this leisurely stroll.
Ages 18 and up only.
Hiking level: Beginning, easy 1-mile walk on flat terrain. Lunch and transportation are not provided; participants should meet at Morningside Nature Center.
NEW! Water and Wildlife Field Trip
Saturday, Oct. 24 | 8 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Cost: $20 members/$23 non-members
Guide: Linda Krause
Join WAV (Watershed Action Volunteer) Coordinator Linda Krause and journey into the heart of Paynes Prairie via the La Chua Trail. This hike includes many opportunities to see the prairie's abundant wildlife, including alligators, amphibians, and over 270 species of birds. Discover the wonders of Gainesville's wetlands and how they impact our aquifer. Ages 10 and up only.
Hiking level: Beginning, easy 3-mile walk on flat terrain, with frequent stops to observe wildlife. Lunch and transportation are not provided; participants should meet at the North entrance to Paynes Prairie. Map and directions will be included with the confirmation letter.
Behind-the-Scenes Tours of the Butterfly Rainforest and McGuire Center
Behind-the-Scenes Tours
Saturday, Oct. 24 | 8:30 - 9:30 a.m. or 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 25 | 8:30 - 9:30 a.m. or 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Cost: $45 members/$50 non-members
Guides: Dr. Charles Covell, Dr. Jacqueline Miller or Dr. Andrei Sourakov
Be among the few to see places otherwise off limits to the public. Discover what goes on behind-the-scenes of the Museum's
award-winning Butterfly Rainforest. See how this lush tropical paradise is kept brimming with stunning, exotic butterflies year-round as you
are escorted by Museum curatorial and collection staff. Enjoy this guided tour that will take you behind the scenes of the rearing lab and
into collection rooms to discover the unique diversity of butterflies and moths from around the world. After the tour, participants may enjoy
the Butterfly Rainforest free of charge. Ages 8 and up only. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.