Loudoun Butterfly Count Set for Aug. 4

The next Loudoun County Annual Butterfly Count has been set for Saturday, Aug. 4. Butterflies are good indicators of habitat and the health of our environment, according to information on the Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy’s website. Conducting the counts not only teaches about the insects, but provides a fun opportunity to explore the world of butterflies up close.

Local butterfly and moth expert Bob Lyon initiated the annual county in 1997. The data collected is sent to the North American Butterfly Association (NABA).

How it Works
Beginner butterfly counters are paired with experts—all ages and experience levels are welcome. Teams meet at a specified location at 9 a.m. to begin counting, with lunch break planned around noon. After lunch, counters who do not have to leave can continue working.

In the weeks following, the LWC will post the data on its website and send it to the NABA to be analyzed at regional and national levels. Visit the LWC website to sign up.

Need to Bring

• Water
• Lunch or snacks
• Sunscreen

Nice to Have

• Camera
• Binoculars
• Field Guide: "Butterflies Through Binoculars" by Jeffrey Glassberg

The LWC collects a $3 fee for participants 18 and over, which helps the NABA offset the cost of preparing the database of sightings and the publication of their nation-wide annual butterfly report.

The $3 participation fee for this count will be waived for members of Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy as a member benefit. Join!