Butterflies fly again!

Lange's Metalmark Butterfly
©Photo by Alan Wight

Here we go again! It is time once again for the Lange's Metalmark Butterfly counts at Antioch Dunes National Wildlife Refuge! We will be counting butterflies one day/week for several weeks in August and September. We can sure use your help.

The dates that we will be conducting butterfly counts will all be on Wednesdays with one exception on August 13. The weekly count dates will be:
August 19, 26, September 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30.

We will be conducting counts until ZERO butterflies are seen, whenever that may be. Our counts will start at 9am and may go until 4pm. You'll be briefed on what to do and what to look for on each day of the count, so first-timers are welcome!

As you might guess, Antioch in summer is not going to be a "walk in the park". Not only will it be very warm to hot weather, (the butterflies like it HOT!) but the terrain can be uneven and sometimes steep. There are many plants to step over, under and around, as well as plant parts that want to go home with you.

However, if you are of the hardy variety, the payoff is fabulous and worth it! Lange's metalmark butterflies are found nowhere else in the world, except at the Antioch Dunes National Wildlife Refuge!! Don't miss this opportunity to see this endangered species!!!

Volunteers will need to wear sturdy shoes/boots, long pants (star thistle smarts!), and bring sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, lunch and LOTS OF WATER!!! We can provide short gaitors, but if you have your own long pair, you might want to bring them. They really help keep the weeds out of shoes and socks.

If you are interested in volunteering for the Aug-Sept. butterfly counts, please call Susan at 510 521 9624. If you leave a message, please leave your name and phone number, and I will call you back as soon as I can. If you prefer, you can reply by e-mail too at susan_euing@fws.gov.