Kellettville Firefly Farm: Shining bright in the darkest of nights

Forest County | Allegheny National Forest and Surrounds Landscape of the PA Wilds

Most of us remember catching fireflies in our backyard during our childhood, or perhaps lying on our backs on the soft green grass, watching them light up the night. Their soft, magical glow could be seen in the darkest of nights. In recent years, fireflies have become threatened by factors such as pesticides, light pollution, and habitat loss. Efforts have been made, and are still being made, to keep them from becoming endangered or even extinct. One couple helping with those efforts, Ken and Peggy Butler, have started a firefly sanctuary, right here in the Pennsylvania Wilds.

Located in the Allegheny National Forest and Surrounds landscape of the PA Wilds region, in Kellettville, PA, is Kellettville Firefly Farm. It features whole-house lodging, as well as a cabin and safari glamping tent that can both be rented. 

The Guesthouse has 5 unique bedrooms, 2.5 baths and a fully equipped kitchen. The house can be rented as a whole, accommodating up to 5 couples. The Firefly Cabin is a 2-room cabin that has recently been renovated, and it can be rented April through October. It has an incinerating toilet, mini fridge, microwave, and coffee maker. Firewood and a gas grill are also provided to ensure a true camping experience.

The Safari Glamping Tent is the newer addition to their on-site rentals, and it is a 12’x14’ waterproof tent that is installed on a deck and can sleep up to 4 adults. Cots and camp chairs are provided for comfort, and guests can utilize the restroom/shower in the main guesthouse. They recently have added a bunkhouse option for backpackers hiking the North Country Trail (NCT) through Kellettville. Shuttle services are offered for hikers to NCT Trailheads within a 30 mile radius.

Given that this area is home to several species of fireflies, the Butlers decided to make it a firefly sanctuary, helping to keep our fireflies safe in this region. During June and July, the fireflies’ peak season, they offer eco tours at a special rate, so guests can see them at their best, lighting up the night sky. Being able to preserve this area for fireflies means that generations of firefly lovers, young and old, can continue to be able to enjoy them year after year.

The Butlers started the PA Firefly Festival on their property several years ago, and it has evolved ever since. Thousands would come from all over to see these special fireflies in action. But wait, didn’t we talk about light pollution putting them in danger?

Peggy soon realized that if the crowd of this magnitude kept coming to the festival, it would destroy the very beings people were coming from miles away to see. It was then that she, her husband, and a group of volunteers decided to limit the event. It is now done through a lottery system, which limits the total number of guests to about 150. This is able to keep the firefly sanctuary intact, yet still allow guests to see the night sky wonders.

The efforts of Peggy and Ken have allowed guests to be able to come and enjoy this wonderfully unique PA Wilds experience, as well as learn more about these tiny creatures that light up the sky and how to keep them around for years to come. 

Kellettville Firefly Farm is an Experience Maker within the PA Wilds Cooperative. Learn more about Kellettville Firefly Farm by visiting their PA Wilds Cooperative profile or by searching the directory at members.pawildscenter.org.