It’s butterfly season again! Join Audubon Society of Rhode Island naturalists and other butterfly enthusiasts for the 11th annual North American Butterfly Association (NABA) Butterfly Count, held on June 28 and July 12, 2014. Beginners are welcome on these naturalist-led walks that teach butterfly identification and promote the understanding of butterfly ecology in our state.

“This is the eleventh year we have hosted the butterfly count,” said Scott Ruhren, Audubon’s Senior Director of Conservation. “We’re excited to get out in the field and see just how many species we can find. Participants can choose from seven beautiful locations across the state with known butterfly populations. Team members help to spot butterflies and our naturalists will record them and provide identification tips. Before long, everyone on the team will is identifying different butterfly species. It’s a fun way to learn about these beautiful creatures.”

All naturalist-led walks meet at 10:00 am and most finish at 12:00 pm, the complete schedule is listed below. There is a suggested donation of $3 to support the North American Butterfly Association. All participants must register to receive survey protocols and to confirm sites within the survey areas. Contact Jon Scoones at for more information or to register.

Butterfly Count Locations on Saturday, June 28:

Audubon Environmental Education Center, 1401 Hope St., Bristol, RI. 10:00 am to 12:00 pm

Nockum Hill, Doug Rayner Wildlife Sanctuary, George St., Barrington, RI. 10:00 am to 12:30 pm

Audubon Touisset Wildlife Refuge, Touisset Road, Warren, RI.
10:00 am to 12:00 pm

Butterfly Count locations Saturday, July 12:

Audubon Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI. 10:00 am to 12:00 pm

Audubon Newman Wildlife Sanctuary, Smithfield/Glocester. (Meet at Powder Mill Ledges. Smithfield, RI)
10:00 am to 2:00 pm

Audubon Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge, Pardon Joslin Rd., Exeter, RI. 10:00 am to 12:30 pm

Trustom Pond, 1040 Matunuck Schoolhouse Rd., South Kingstown, RI. 10:00 am to 12:30 pm

SIGN UP HERE

The Rhode Island Butterfly Count is part of a larger effort, coordinated by the North American Butterfly Association, to survey butterflies in North America. Data collected from the Rhode Island Butterfly Count is compiled and published in an annual report. The 2013 report contains the results of the 2013 survey and a review of the entire 2013 butterfly season. It is available at http://goo.gl/Uu27qF