Annual Butterfly Count at Roaring Brook Nature Center

Roaring Brook Nature Center, 70 Gracey Rd. in Canton sponsors the tenth annual Farmington Valley Butterfly Count on Saturday, July 20. During the count, butterfly watchers will comb area fields and wildflower gardens in search of the almost 50 species of butterflies that inhabit our area, in order to survey changes in local butterfly populations. Results of the count are submitted to the Connecticut chapter of the North American Butterfly Association for publication.

In conjunction with the count, the Nature Center is hosting a program on butterflies for older students and adults from 1:30-3:30 p.m. Led by veteran butterfly watcher Mike Thomas, the group will venture out on the lookout for dragonflies, day-flying moths and other unusual insects. Participants should note that the program will be out in the sun, so dress accordingly and bring something cool to drink. Cost is $4 members, $6 non-members; advance registration is required, and spaces are limited. To register call 860-693-0263.

Also, area residents wishing to count butterflies in their own gardens should call the Nature Center for information; the Farmington Valley Butterfly Count area includes portions of Avon, Canton, Simsbury, Farmington and West Hartford.