Think of it as a kind of Running of the Butterflies, only you probably will want to stick around and watch.

On Friday, Kansas University will host a public viewing at the Fitch Natural History Reservation at the KU Field Station. Thousands of Emperor Hackberry butterflies are expected to emerge from their cocoons en masse. Past years have seen the butterflies forming colorful clouds and landing on anything with traces of sugar, including visitors.

From 1 to 3 p.m., scientists with the KU Natural History Museum and Kansas Biological Survey will be at the site to provide information.

Visitors to the Fitch Reservation, northeast of the Lawrence Municipal Airport, should be prepared for wooded hiking conditions. Limited parking is available at the site.