Where You’ll Be:
A natural area in Greeley, Colorado, where a mix of prairie, riparian corridors, and garden habitats support butterflies and their migratory pathways. Butterflies are not only beautiful, but they also play a vital role in the ecosystem, serving as both pollinators and as food for other animals. Knowing which butterflies are active in our state gives us important information about the health of our local ecosystems - particularly in Northeastern Colorado, where a gap in data surrounding butterflies and insect populations exists!
What You’ll Do:
On the training day, you will learn how to identify and record butterflies of the front range! After the training, volunteers will participate independently by completing brief surveys at sites of their choosing. Surveys occur once per month for the remainder of the monitoring season, ensuring consistent data collection. Training Date: Sunday, May 31st Monitoring Duration: May – November
Why It Matters:
Butterflies are not only beautiful—they play a vital role in Colorado's ecosystems as pollinators and as a food source for other animals. CBMN volunteers observe and record butterflies in open spaces and parks multiple times per season, gathering essential data that land managers can use when making conservation decisions. It’s a fantastic chance to get outdoors and learn about butterflies, while having a positive impact on conservation in Colorado.
Eligibility Requirements:
Ages: 16+
Project Difficulty:
This project is considered easy; please check our difficulty rating criteria here for more details. Physical Considerations: Exposure to sun and outdoor elements, Exposure to insects (bees, wasps), Potential for long hike. While this is not a strenuous project, volunteers should be prepared for walking on uneven terrain, through high grass, past thorny plants, and in possibly muddy conditions.
Access Factors:
Vehicle Access: No vehicle restrictions – 2WD accessible
