There Goes a Zebra! Traditional Cache
offline.cacher: No word from CO
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From late March to August, look for Zebra Swallowtail butterflies in the vicinity of the nearby pawpaw trees.
Pawpaws are the sole food source for larval Zebra Swallowtails.
If you’re not sure which trees are pawpaws, look for understory trees with large leaves, 10 – 12 inches long. In April, you may smell the fetid flowers. In September, you may see some fruit—the fruit can be as large as 2 pounds, although you probably won’t find many fruits here because unrelated trees are needed for pollination and the fruit is quickly eaten in the fall by wildlife. The fruit has a banana-mango flavor with a custard consistency. Also in the fall, the leaves turn bright yellow.
Pawpaw leaves are the sole food source for larval Zebra Swallowtails. During March to August, you may find single eggs on the underside of young plants—day-old ones are green and within two days, the eggs turn to brown and are ready to hatch. The larva (caterpillar) is usually green with white and yellow transverse stripes. Occasionally you may see one that is black with white and orange stripes. The larvae eat pawpaw leaves and then pupate over winter on the underside of pawpaw leaves. In the fall and winter you may see the chrysalis attached to the leaves.
Located in the Nature Conservancy's Wildcat Mountain Nature Preserve. For information about the Preserve and a trail map (visit link)
With altitudes ranging from 1,200 feet near the top of the mountain to a low point of 500 feet, this predominantly steep and hilly preserve features a broad range of habitats. Wildcat Mountain supports a rich variety of plants and animals, including a few coastal and higher-Appalachian species approaching their geographic limits in northern Virginia.
Please note that the first 20 - 40 minutes (depending on your fitness level) of the hike is up sometimes steep switchbacks.
Cache is an ammo can. Original contents:
Butterflies & Moths Pocket Naturalist
Common Native Trees of Virginia Tree Identification Guide
Butterfly Iron-on Rhinestones & Studs
Butterfly Rub-On Transfers
Wooden butterfly picture frame (for coloring)
Butterfly ornament
2 butterfly TBs
Cache placement is approved by The Nature Conservancy and some Zebra Swallowtails who flew by. Please note that TNC asks that you leave your dogs at home, as their properties are ecologically sensitive areas.
Parking is at TNC kiosk only, at 38.47.512 N; 077.51.843 W off Carter Run Rd. Note that this is a private drive. Please ensure that you do not block the driveway or park on property of others.
Preserve Visitation Guidelines
Nature Conservancy preserves are private properties. They are managed to protect fragile resources--native species and plant communities.
You will find few facilities. The trails we do maintain or create are designed to steer visitors away from the most fragile portions of the preserve and toward those areas that can handle more use. Still, we ask you to tread lightly.
Many of the state's preserves are open to visitors, but only for low-impact recreational activities (see list below). Those preserves harboring species or natural communities at risk, however, are not open to the public.
Preparation: the Key to a Safe, Enjoyable Visit
We ask you to prepare for your visit and take proper precautions while on site.
Wear comfortable footwear suitable for hiking, but please do not wear heavy, cleated boots - these damage the trails.
To protect yourself from ticks, poison ivy or poison sumac, wear long pants - and tuck them into your socks.
No matter which season of the year it is, each person in your party should bring a full water bottle. Dehydration is a serious risk at any time of the year.
Preparation: What to Bring
To get the most from your visit, and to protect yourself from the elements, you may want to include the following items in your backpack:
Binoculars
Camera
Compass
Field guides (to wildflowers, birds, butterflies and other natural features)
Insect repellant
Rain gear
Snack (fruit or trail mix)
Sunscreen
What You Can Do
The following activities are permitted on Conservancy preserves:
Birdwatching
Hiking
Nature Study
Photography
Boating (in some cases)
What You Cannot Do
The following activities are not permitted on Conservancy preserves:
Biking
Camping
Caving
Driving an ATV or off-road vehicle
Cooking or camp fires
Fishing or trapping
Horseback riding
Hunting
Littering
Pets
Picking flowers, berries, nuts or mushrooms
Removing any part of the natural landscape (shells, rocks, etc.)
Rock climbing
Swimming
Respect Our Neighbors' Property
Please do not trespass on private property adjacent to Conservancy preserves. Property lines are clearly marked with small yellow signs featuring the Conservancy's logo.
Contact Us
For more information, please contact our State Office:
490 Westfield Road
Charlottesville, VA 22901
(434) 295-6106
open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday
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