Ranger Steve Mueller
By Ranger Steve Mueller
Discover butterflies in a variety of local habitats with those knowledgeable in butterfly identification. It is a great way to begin learning some of the 170 species known to Michigan. Join some or all of the West Michigan Butterfly Association counts for fun and learning.
Counts are sponsored by the North American Butterfly Association (NABA) and cost $3 for each participant. The money is sent to NABA to create a publication that documents butterfly abundance, distribution, and trends. Scientists make good use of citizen science data. Become a citizen scientist. Between 17 and 22 different counts are held in Michigan annually. Your help spotting butterflies is desired.
To find species and count numbers, we carpool to various sites during the day in the designated circle with a 15-mile diameter. The purpose is to have a good time outdoors, learn to identify species, learn habitat associations, behavior, and nature niche needs. Come for part or stay all day. Consider joining our West Michigan butterflies Association—membership $5/year.
Bring a bag lunch, plenty to drink, snacks, and dress with lightweight long sleeves and pants to protect from any biting insects or raspberry thorns. We explore off trails when searching for butterflies.
Dates and meeting locations:
June 19, 2016 (Sun) 9:00 a.m. Allegan Butterfly Count – Allegan Co.
Leader: Ranger Steve (Mueller)
Meet at the Fennville Allegan State Game Area headquarters, 6013 118th Ave, Fennville
odybrook@chartermi.net
June 21, 2016 (Tues) 9:00 a.m. Newaygo County Butterfly Count Newaygo Co.
Leader: Ranger Steve (Mueller)
Meeting at Plum’s Grocery parking lot at
The corner of M82 & M 37 in Newaygo.
odybrook@chartermi.net
June 24, 2016 (Fri) 9:00 a.m. Rogue River Butterfly Count – Kent Co.
Leader: Ranger Steve (Mueller)
(Kent, Newaygo, Montcalm Counties)
Meet at Howard Christensen Nature Center
Welcome Center 16160 Red Pine Dr. Kent City
odybrook@chartermi.net
July 24, 2016 (Sun) 9:00 a.m. Greater Muskegon Butterfly Ct – Muskegon Co.
Leader: Dennis Dunlap
Meet on Mill Iron Road from M-46 (Apple Ave.) east ofMuskegon at second set of power lines that cross the road north of MacArthur Road.
dunlapmd@charter.net
Rain day alternates will be the next day.
Natural history questions or topic suggestions can be directed to Ranger Steve (Mueller) at odybrook@chartermi.net – Ody Brook Nature Sanctuary, 13010 Northland Dr. Cedar Springs, MI 49319 or call 616-696-1753.
