Southwest Wings: Summer Festival – T8 Butterflies and Dragonflies of the Sierra Vista Area
August 6 @ 8:00 am - 3:00 pm
$90
Join leader Rich Bailowitz (co-author of several butterfly books as well as Field Guide to the Damselflies and Dragonflies of Arizona and Sonora) as we search for some of the butterflies and dragonflies of the Sierra Vista area.
The day will include stops in Escapule Canyon (near the San Pedro River) and in Huachuca Canyon, at various elevations between 4,500 and 6,500ft. A net will be used to catch and release insects for up-close species identification. This trip is best suited for butterfly and dragonfly enthusiasts of all skill levels. Bring hat, sun protection and wear trail shoes. Lunch is not included – please bring your own plus water. Hiking Difficulty: 3 moderate. Guide Rich Bailowitz.
PLEASE NOTE: This trip enters Fort Huachuca and a visitor’s pass is required. If you are eligible, please obtain your pass before the trip as there may not be time to get one on the day. See Visitor access
Meeting place: The south-east entrance of The Mall at Sierra Vista, 2200 El Mercado Loop, Sierra Vista. Turn west onto Calle Marcancia from Highway 92, by the Wells Fargo bank, and the entrance is straight ahead. Map link
The 35th Southwest Wings Summer Birding and Nature Festival will be based at The Mall at Sierra Vista, 2200 El Mercado Loop, Sierra Vista from August 5-8, 2026. This family friendly event is our main one with expertly guided field trips, pre-festival Jamboree, free programs, including some new ones just for kids, exhibitors, vendors, live animals and Keynote Buffet Dinner.
A non-refundable registration fee ($25.00) is required if you want to join field trips and attend the welcome Jamboree. The small-group guided field trips will be mainly in Group Vans but there will also be several Car Caravan style, in participants’ own vehicles, to nearby easily-accessible locations.