Volunteers Needed for Butterfly Count

SAGUACHE, Colo., May 30, 2025 – The Saguache Ranger District is recruiting volunteer “counters” to support the North American Butterfly Association’s (NABA) annual butterfly count to be held on Saturday, June 21, 2025. The Saguache event will be from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will begin with the volunteers meeting at the intersection of County Road 41G and Forest Service Road 720.

“Butterflies are one of the most beautiful elements of the natural world,” said Saguache Ranger District Wildlife Biologist Brandon Skerbetz. “Scientists now recognize that they can also serve as an important indicator of the health of ecosystems. It is exciting to work with a dedicated group of local naturalists while contributing to a nationwide program that conducts long-term monitoring of butterfly populations.” Skerbetz mentioned that, while knowledge of butterflies is a plus, it is not necessary.

The NABA Butterfly Count Program has been held annually since 1975, when only 29 counts were held. Volunteers around North America select a count area 15 miles in diameter and conduct a one-day census of all butterflies observed within that circle. Spring seasonal counts are held prior to June each year, July 4th counts are held in June or July, and the Fall seasonal counts are held after July. The best timing for butterfly observation in each count circle varies. The count program is intended to promote interest in butterflies and provide results useful for scientific monitoring of this beautiful and fascinating group of insects.

The North American Butterfly Association organizes the counts and publishes their annual reports. For more information on NABA and the Count Program, please visit their website at www.naba.org.

For more information on the Saguache event, please contact Brandon Skerbetz at (719) 655-6121 or brandon.skerbetz@usda.gov.

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