Tuesday, March 27, 2012

2012 Spring Butterfly Counts

 
The North American Butterfly Association (NABA) Butterfly Counts is an ongoing program of  NABA to census the butterflies of North America.  Volunteer participants select a count area with a 15-mile diameter and conduct a one-day census of all butterflies sighted within that circle.
 
The 2012 Spring Count in Broward County is coming up this Saturday, March 31st for the North Circle and Saturday, April 15th for the South Circle.  Times of the counts are from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and/or 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. 
 
North Circle areas are Crystal Lake Pine Scrub, Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, Hillsboro Pineland, and Coconut Creek Tamarind Village. 
South Circle areas are Tree Tops Park/Pine Island Ridge Natural Area and Long Key Nature Center. 
After the morning counts, participants will gather at local restaurants to discuss observations. 
 
If you are interested in participating, bring water, snacks, hat, sunscreen, binoculars, field guides, and cameras.  Dress for the outdoors.  NABA’s participation fee is $3 for all participants.  No experience necessary! Friends of all ages welcome.  High School Students can earn service hours. 
 
If you would like to be a part, please contact one of the following:
 
Ana Maria Agrusa – 954-689-0050; 954-805-1725C or weesethree@bellsouth.net
Barbara DeWitt – 954-584-3123H; 954-599-1082C or badewitt@gmail.com
Janice Malkoff -954-993-9449 or Cycad49@aol.com
Nancy Johns – 786-525-3701 or blacktail07@yahoo.com
Sandy Fernandes – 954-557-3090 sanav@comcast.net
Mona Johnston – 954-975-9157 12banger@bellsouth.net for Coconut Creek Tamarind Village
 
For Count instructions go to http://www.naba.org/ftp/naba11us.pdf
For information on the Broward County Butterfly Chapter go to http://browardbutterflies.org/index.htm
 
If you don’t live in Broward County, Florida, check with your local Butterfly groups for Counts information or http://naba.org/counts/us_mx_map.html to see where counts are currently conducted. 
 
Please email comments and questions to GDempsey@fortlauderdale.gov
 
 
Gene Dempsey, City Forester
Environmental Services
Office - (954) 828-7704 Fax - (954) 828-7897
 
Think before you print!