If you’ve ever chased fireflies as a kid—or still do, no judgment—you know just how magical a mountain summer night can feel. That soft, flickering glow? That’s Appalachian nostalgia in its purest form. But did you know firefly populations are on the decline? That’s why Fannin County Firefly Day (coming up July 2!) is so important—and so worth celebrating.
So grab a jar (for photos, not catching!), turn off those porch lights, and let the lightning bugs do their thing. Here’s how you can celebrate and help protect these glowing icons of North Georgia.
What Are Fireflies & Why They Matter
Fireflies (a.k.a. glow-worms or lightning bugs) are bioluminescent beetles whose mating flashes light up warm summer nights. Georgia is home to 50+ species. Their soft luminescence adds magic to North Georgia evenings—and they play important ecological roles as pollinators and predators of pests. However, firefly populations are declining due to habitat loss and light pollution.
That’s why Fannin County has officially declared July 2nd as “Firefly Day” in Blue Ridge, GA—making our county one of the first counties in Georgia to glow-up for these little beetle buddies.
In partnership with UGA Extension, the Fannin County Chamber of Commerce, and the “Lights Off, Fireflies On!” initiative, this new holiday is all about turning off outdoor lights and turning up the magic.
Want to participate?
There’s a few ways you can get involved:
- Firefly Hunt: The Fannin County Chamber of Commerce is handing out kid-friendly firefly gifts all July long at the Welcome Center. Stop by and snag one! You can also download the Firefly Fact Hunt here and return it to the Visitor’s Center for a prize.
- Firefly Hour: On July 2nd, between 9 PM and 10 PM, you can participate in Firefly Hour by turning off your outdoor lights and watching nature’s glow show. And if you want to view fireflies up close and personal, here is a step-by-step guide to catching and release them safely. Download Guide
- Firefly Friendly Yard: You can make your yard more firefly-friendly by following the tips below.
Keep the Glow Alive
Here are five easy ways to help keep fireflies around for generations to come.
- Lights Out, Magic On: Turn off outdoor lights at night—especially during peak firefly season (May–July). Use motion sensors or amber bulbs if needed.
- Go Native: Plant native wildflowers and leave some natural areas in your yard. Fireflies love undisturbed spaces.
- Hold the Chemicals: Skip the pesticides, weed killers, and lawn treatments. If it kills bugs, it’ll hurt the good ones too.
- Make a Mini Meadow: Create a “wild patch” with tall grasses or a damp area near trees. Fireflies love moisture and cover! Want to know how to build a safe space for fireflies? Here’s how: Firefly Garden | Firefly Habitat
- Share the Sparkle: Snap pics (not bugs), spread awareness, and tag us with #themountaincity or #fireflyhour. Let’s light up the internet, too.
A Little Glow Goes a Long Way
Fannin County’s Firefly Day is more than a fun excuse to sit outside and sip sweet tea (though we highly encourage that). It’s a reminder that small actions—like turning off a light or planting a flower—can make a big difference.
And hey, who doesn’t love an excuse to pause and watch nature do something amazing?
So this July 2nd, celebrate with us. Take a walk. Watch the trees twinkle. And know that here in the North Georgia mountains, we’re doing our part to keep the glow going strong.
Firefly Resources
- University of Georgia Extension (Lights off, Fireflies On)
- Yale School of Environment
- National Geographic
- Fannin County Chamber of Commerce
- Firefly Coloring Sheets: Life Cycle of the Big Dipper | Firefly Color by Numbers
- National Geographic 1-Minute Firefly Film
- Atlanta Firefly Project
- 11 Cool Things You Neever Knew About Fireflies
- Xerces Firefly Conservation | Download Guide
