Written by Trish Snider in Butterfly Count, Citizen science project
Join Us for Our Annual Butterfly Count!
Have you ever wondered how something as simple as counting butterflies can make a difference? It truly does!
Our Annual Butterfly Count is an important citizen science project that helps track butterfly population trends, monitor the health of our local habitats, and identify changes in our environment. The information collected contributes to conservation efforts and helps protect these incredible pollinators for future generations.
Whether you’re an experienced butterfly enthusiast or simply enjoy spending time outdoors, everyone is welcome to participate! It’s a fun way to explore nature, learn about local butterfly species, and contribute to meaningful scientific research.
Come spend a summer day enjoying nature while making a real difference—one butterfly at a time!
Event Details
Date: Saturday, July 11, 2026 Meeting Time: 9:15 a.m.
Rain Date: Sunday, July 12, 2026
Meeting Location: Woodlot Shelter, Pinafore Park – 95 Elm Street, St.Thomas(along the road heading toward the back of the park).
To help coordinate coverage throughout Elgin County, please email Trish at trishsniderstfn@gmail.com if you plan to participate.
When you RSVP, please let us know:
What to Bring● Plenty of water (it’s worth saying twice— WATER, WATER, WATER! )● Lunch to enjoy along your route● Bug spray● Hat● Butterfly net (if you have one)● Comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing
Whether you will be participating for the full day or half day. Whether you are experienced with butterfly counts or new to butterflying. New participants are warmly welcomed—we’ll pair you with an experienced group. Whether you plan to join us for dinner afterwards at Swiss Chalet.
Ann and Trish will organize groups to ensure all count areas are covered.
End of Day
At 5:00 p.m., everyone will meet back at Pinafore Park at the concrete walkway leading to Lake Margaret. Ann will collect the completed butterfly count checklists.
If you are unable to return to the park, your results can be:
Phoned in to Ann after 7:00 p.m. at 519-773-8768, or Emailed to Trish at trishsniderstfn@gmail.com
Optional Dinner
After handing in our completed checklists, anyone interested is welcome to join us for dinner at Swiss Chalet.
Questions?
Please feel free to contact:
Ann Vance – 519-773-8768 or Trish Snider – 226-237-9014
Thank You!
A heartfelt thank you to all of our volunteers—past and present—who have contributed to our Annual Butterfly Counts over the years.
These counts provide an invaluable snapshot of the health of both butterfly populations and the habitats they depend on. Year after year, the data helps scientists determine whether species are increasing, declining, or remaining stable. It also allows our club to compare local trends over time, giving us a better understanding of how butterflies are faring right here in our community.
We hope you’ll join us for another exciting day of butterflies, learning, and conservation. Every butterfly counted makes a difference!
Thank you kindly, Trish and Ann.