Western North Carolina is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, where the Blue Ridge Mountains dominate the horizon. Amidst the scenic beauty lies a remarkable phenomenon—the Blue Ghost fireflies. These ethereal creatures light up the night, creating an otherworldly spectacle that is exclusive to this region. 

Dr. Jennifer Frick-Rupert, a professor at Brevard College, captures the enchantment of the Blue Ghost fireflies, “the effect of the Blue Ghosts is… the only word I can really use is magical. And as a scientist I don’t like to use the word ‘magical’ but that is what it seems like.” These fireflies possess a unique trait—they emit a constant soft blue light instead of blinking that creates an awe-inspiring display. 

The biodiversity of the Blue Ridge Mountains plays a crucial role in nurturing the Blue Ghost fireflies. The mountains' undulating topography, diverse vegetation, and relatively undisturbed habitats provide the perfect conditions for these luminescent insects to thrive. As a result, WNC serves as a haven for these mesmerizing creatures, attracting researchers, nature enthusiasts, and curious travelers from around the globe. 

In a parallel narrative, the region's changing demographics and growing diversity have fueled the emergence of exceptional soccer talent in WNC. The influx of diverse cultures and communities has brought with it a vibrant soccer culture, transforming WNC into an incubator for young soccer prodigies.

While the Blue Ghost fireflies have captured the attention of scientists and nature enthusiasts worldwide, the emerging soccer talent in WNC has also garnered recognition. Asheville City Soccer Club is proud to unveil their first third kit – the Blue Ghost Firefly kit – in celebration of the diversity which makes WNC unique.

Multiple pieces of Blue Ghost Firefly merchandise will be exclusively on sale at Saturday night’s match when your Asheville City SC men play the Dalton Red Wolves at 7:30pm at Greenwood Field. A portion of the proceeds of the sale of this extremely limited kit will go to the WNC Nature Center to continue their educational mission.

As Dr. Frick-Rupert says, “You can go nowhere else in the world and see Blue Ghost fireflies. You can sit in [WNC] and see something that no one around the world can see.”