Search for fireflies at Oakland Nature Preserve

Looking for a unique and fun spring outing? Look no further than Oakland Nature Preserve’s Firefly Self-Guided Hike.

The Oakland preserve will be open until 9 p.m. Friday, for a Firefly Self-Guided Hike. The preserve is located at 747 Machete Trail, Oakland.

Visitors are invited to explore the boardwalk and look for fireflies. A staff member will be stationed at the start of the boardwalk to answer any questions.

Park in the grass overflow lot outside of the gate. Disabled parking spaces will remain accessible in our regular lot.

This event is free, but donations are appreciated.

Please, no flashlights as a courtesy to other visitors. Plan for mosquitos.

Rules for guests on the property:

• No touching, capturing (in glass jars or other containers) or any other actions that cause harm to the fireflies or other animals you may encounter on your hike.

• No flashlights, phone lights or flash photography allowed.

• No bug spray. This not only kills mosquitoes but also the delicate fireflies.

• No pets allowed. Because it will be dark and no lights are allowed, it is unsafe for other visitors and the dogs to navigate past one another on the narrow boardwalk. Plus, dusk is when preserve predators are more active.

• No smoking on the boardwalk/property. It has been very dry, and fires can start easily in these hot conditions.

Event will be canceled in the case of inclement weather, please check the preserve’s Facebook page for updates the day of the event.

If you’d like a special T-shirt to commemorate the occasion, you can purchase one here.