Operation Orangetip at Lyons Ranch Trail May 30, 2026

Your mission, if you choose to accept it, is to embark on a field trip to find the rare Sara Orangetip at the Lyons Ranch Trail in Redwood National Park on Saturday, May 30 at 11:00 am.  Join our team of butterfly fans on a mission to find our local endemic subspecies of Sara orangetip (Anthocharis sara sempervirens)! These unique butterflies were first described in 2008 and are found nowhere else in the world other than in the Bald Hills. Last year NABA-Redwood were able to spot this butterfly for the first time since 2014, but just one was found. So we are again seeking to form a team of butterfly enthusiasts to solve the mystery of their location and population size.    We’ll be hiking along a multi-use trail that intertwines between oak woodlands, prairies, and forest edges in search for the Sara orangetip. Redwood National Park is home to many other butterfly species including northern checkerspots, propertius duskywings, and two-banded checkered skippers! This is a 3.7-mile out-and-back hike with moderate elevational changes. Participants can pace themselves and easily depart at any time. What to bring? Comfortable sturdy shoes, water, extra water, food, extra food, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, binoculars, field guides, camera (optional), enthusiasm, and whatever other butterfly gear you may desire! Here’s a handy checklist to help you prepare.  When and where to meet? We’ll be meeting at the Lyons Ranch Trailhead at this parking area (41.14735, -123.8943) on Saturday, May 30 at 11:00 am. If you show up late, follow the trail and you will likely see us! It is about a 75 minute drive from Arcata.