Annual Butterfly Count
Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy has coordinated the Annual Loudoun Butterfly count since 1997. The count takes place in early August, which is the peak time for butterflies in our area. We report our data to the North American Butterfly Association, which tracks butterfly populations.
As is true with other wildlife, the population numbers and locations of butterflies give great insights into habitat health and diversity. Butterflies need many kinds of plants to develop and survive. Many species will visit areas that are weedy and wild and have lots of native plants. A new lawn or an area that has been sprayed with pesticides will see few or no species.
The annual Loudoun Wildlife count pairs beginners with experts and sends teams to different parts of the county. Participants can go out for half a day or all day. A very useful book to have is the Field Guide to the Butterflies of Loudoun County.
Join us by signing up below. If you’d like to lead a team on count day, you can sign up here. See past butterfly count data and read about past counts here.
Whenever you’re out for a walk, one of the useful things to have is our Butterfly Checklist.
Things You Can Do for Butterflies
Create A Monarch Waystation
Certify A Waystation
Monarchs Need Our Help
Registration for the 25th Annual Count will open in the summer of 2021.
