Sunday July 10 through Saturday July 16

Photo:  Northern Pearly-eye photographed at the Grady Tract of the UW Arboretum during the butterfly count on July 2.

Sunday July 3 through Saturday July 9

July 4–Butterflies and Dragonflies of Swamp Lovers Preserve
9:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. (Monday)
Trip Leaders: Tod Highsmith, Karl and Dorothy Legler

This preserve is on private land. It consists of remnant wetlands, remnant bluff prairie, restored tall grass prairie, and dry hilly oak-hickory woodland. We will observe and learn about various butterflies and dragonflies as we explore the preserve. Bring binoculars (close-focusing ones work best)--or just get close! At the top of the ridge we will picnic at a shelter. Bring your own food and drink. Leaders are Tod Highsmith, Karl and Dorothy Legler. This SWBA trip is co-sponsored by the Madison Audubon Society and Wisconsin Wetlands Association.

Directions: Travel west from Cross Plains on Hwy 14. Just outside town take County KP to the right (north) and go 1.3 miles amd turn left at the Swamp-Lovers sign. Call Karl Legler at (608) 643-4926 or cell (608) 228-0743 only if you have a question about the trip or the weather is questionable.

Photo: A "Summer" Spring Azure puddling on some yummy bird poop at Cherokee Marsh.

Sunday June 26 through Saturday July 2

July 2–Madison Butterfly Count
9 a.m. - noon (Saturday)
Count Leaders: Karl and Dorothy Legler

This is our 21st annual butterfly count! Co-sponsors are the Madison Audubon Society and the UW Arboretum. Each summer butterfly enthusiasts all over North America participate in more than 483 censuses of butterfly species. Each count is similar to a Christmas Bird Count. These censuses help to monitor the health of our butterfly populations. The results are published in an annual report for North America. If you can identify butterflies, or can help spot butterflies, or just want to see and learn about butterflies, join us on this 3-hour count/field-trip. Bring binoculars, the closer they focus the better. We have a few extra binoculars. Dress for protection from the heat and sun; a hat is recommended. The North American Butterfly Association (NABA) requires a $3.00 fee from each participant to help cover publishing costs.

Directions: Meet at the parking lot for the Grady Tract in the UW Arboretum. Heading west on the Beltline (Hwy 12), take the Seminole Hwy exit and then turn left (south) on Seminole Hwy driving across the bridge over the Beltline turning immediately into the parking lot for the Grady Tract. If you have a question about the butterfly count, contact leaders Karl and Dorothy Legler at (608) 643-4926 or karlndot@charter.net.

Photo:  Hackberry Emperor on my jeans during last week's field trip at Cherokee Marsh.