Cheers all 86 volunteers who came out to Yosemite National Park on July 28th and participated in the 14th annual Yosemite Butterfly Count!
The event was organized with the help of the North American Butterfly Association (NABA) which conducts long-term monitoring of butterfly populations all over North America. Teams of citizen scientists and experts surveyed eight zones within a 15-mile radius centered on Tioga Pass. In all they spotted over 600 butterflies representing approximately 65 different species, contributing valuable data about these vital pollinators in Yosemite.
The Yosemite count is just one of approximately 450 counts nationwide which contribute a tremendous amount of information about the geographical distribution and relative population sizes of butterflies spread across the country. The events not only gather data but raise public awareness around butterfly conservation and are excellent opportunities for naturalists to socialize.
How To Get Involved:
If you are interested in joining a butterfly count in your neck of the woods find more information here. If you are interested in information about one-off volunteer opportunities in Yosemite Park go here. The annual Christmas Bird Count is coming up in December and is another amazing volunteer survey that you can participate in.
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