A list of species found on all field trips and butterfly counts is posted after the event at Wisconsin Butterflies.

A Harvester butterfly, found during a SWBA field trip to Jackson County. The caterpillars of this butterfly are strictly carnivorous! Photograph by Ann Thering (Copyright 2008)

Please join us for a field trip this year! Trips or counts may be canceled in the case of inclement or even cool cloudy weather because butterflies can be hard to find in such conditions. Please call the field trip leader to make sure trip will meet if weather is questionable. All trips are free unless noted.

2010 Field Trips (scroll down for full descriptions)

Monday, May 17–Butterflies of Bauer-Brockway Barrens (Jackson County)

Saturday, June 19–Butterflies of Cherokee Marsh

Saturday, July 3–Madison Butterfly Count

Monday, July 5–Butterflies, Dragonflies & Picnic at Swamp Lovers

Saturday, July 10–Flowers, Butterflies and Birds of Schurch-Thomson

Saturday evening, July 10–Moths: Denizens of Darkness

Sunday, July 11–Butterflies and Dragonflies of Sandhill Wildlife Area

Saturday, July 17–Pretty Things with Wings (Lakeshore Preserve in Madison)

Saturday, August 14–Butterflies at Avoca and Lower Wisconsin Riverway

Saturday, August 28–Butterflies and Blossoms at Pheasant Branch

Sunday, August 29, Magnificent Monarch Butterflies at Olbrich Botanical Gardens 

Saturday, September 4–Grasshoppers!

May 17, 10:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. (Monday)

Butterflies of Bauer Brockway Barrens (Jackson Co.)

Trip Leader: Mike Reese

Pre-registration Required

The best place in the state to look for early butterflies in May is Jackson County. Mike Reese will lead us in finding and observing many scarce and unusual species. We expect to find various Elfins including the very rare Frosted Elfin. We should find Olympia Marble, Gorgone Checkerspot, Cobweb Skipper, Dreamy and Sleepy duskywings, etc. Bring binoculars if you have them, close-focusing ones work best. (A few extra pairs of binoculars are available.) Also, bring a bag lunch and water. A hat, long pants and long sleeves are recommended. This is a joint trip with the Madison Audubon Society.

Directions: Meet in Jackson Co. at 10:30 a.m. at the corner of West Bauer Road and Brockway Road. From the intersection of I-94 and Hwy 54 in Black River Falls, go east on Hwy 54 approximately 5 miles to Brockway Road. Turn right on Brockway and drive 2.5 miles south to West Bauer Road. This area is about 2 hours or so northwest of Madison. Participants must pre-register for this trip by calling Mike at (920) 787-2341 (so we can contact you in case of cancellation due to weather).

June 19, 10 a.m. - noon

Butterflies of Cherokee Marsh (Saturday)

Trip Leader: Kathy Kirk

On this morning walk we'll observe and learn about butterflies, those small but exquisitely beautiful creatures that dance about our ankles in summer. Conservation Biologist Kathy Kirk will lead this 2-hour walk at Cherokee Marsh on the northeast side of Madison. We will observe a variety of butterflies as they take nectar from wildflowers, and learn about their identification, behavior, and lifestyle. Bring binoculars if you have them - close-focusing ones work best. We have a few extra pairs of binoculars. It's best to wear long pants and a hat for protection from the sun. This is a joint trip with the Madison Audubon Society and Wis. Wetlands Assn.

Directions: On the north side of Madison take Northport Drive (Highway 113) then turn north on Sherman Ave. Meet at the Cherokee Marsh parking lot at the north end of Sherman Ave. Call Kathy only if you have a question about the trip, at (608) 442-1642.

July 3, 9 a.m. - noon (Saturday)

Madison Butterfly Count

Count Leaders: Karl and Dorothy Legler

This is our 20th annual butterfly count! Co-sponsors are UW Arboretum and Madison Audubon Society. 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. 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 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.

New!  July 5, 9:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. (Monday)

Butterflies, Dragonflies & Picnic at Swamplovers Preserve   

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. Hamburgers, hot dogs and buns will be cooked on the grill and provided for the participants. You just bring your own supplementary food and drink. Leaders are Tod Highsmith, Karl and Dorothy Legler. This 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 0.3 mile. Turn left onto Scheele Road. Then turn right and park before the hill. 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.

July 10, 10 a.m. - noon (Saturday)

Flowers, Butterflies and Birds of Schurch-Thomson Prairie

Trip Leaders: Ann Thering and Rich Henderson

We will visit The Prairie Enthusiasts' Schurch-Thomson Prairie, and the adjacent privately owned Underwood Prairie. The latter is closed to the public, so this is a great opportunity to see it up close. These and adjacent properties form a complex of remnant prairie and CRP grasslands that are rich with grassland birds and other prairie animals. Summer flowers will be in bloom, and we hope to see the rare Regal Fritillary and other butterflies. Be prepared for a long hike and bring binoculars for butterfly viewing (the closer they can focus the better). This is a joint trip with The Prairie Enthusiasts and the Madison Audubon Society.

Directions: From Hwy 151 at Blue Mounds take F south (note: F makes a right turn). After 5 miles turn right onto Reilly Road. Go to the end and park by the barn. Call Rich at (608) 845-7065 only if you have a question about the trip.

New Night Trip! July 10, 8:30 -10:45 p.m. (Saturday night)

Moths: Denizens of Darkness  

Trip Leader: Mark Evans

We'll be using an ultra-violet light on a sheet. If the weather's right, we may draw in some interesting things to see and photograph. I will be reminding people to avoid looking directly at the light as it can harm your eyes. (If you bring small children, make sure they understand this.)  There is an amazing diversity of life at night that most people never see and you can share with me a little glimpse of this life that fills the darkness around us. Wear pants and a long sleeved shirt. Bring mosquito repellent and a small flashlight (not a big bright one). Your camera with a flash is fine if you are taking close-ups but we'll try to be as respectful of the dark as we can. Co-sponsored by the Madison Audubon Society.

Directions: Meet at the UW Observatory at Pine Bluff. Go west on Mineral Point Rd. about 3 miles west of Timber Lane to Co Hwy P; turn north on P and go about 0.5 mile; turn west on Observatory Rd and follow it for about 1.2 mile; the observatory will be at the top of the hill on your left; drive in & park in the lot. If there is fog or a light rain, this will be all the better. We would only cancel if it's raining really hard or there is a thunderstorm. Call Mark at (608) 833-4201 only if you have a question about the trip or in case of questionable weather.

New! July 11, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. (Sunday)

Butterflies and Dragonflies of Sandhill Wildlife Area  

Trip Leader: Ron Arnold

The Sandhill State Wildlife Area in Wood County covers more than 14 square miles. It is managed by the Wisconsin DNR as a living laboratory for wildlife management techniques. Sandhill has large marshes and many flowages, interspersed with low sandy uplands, pine and oak barrens and restored prairies. Butterfly enthusiast Ron Arnold has been surveying the butterflies there for 19 years. On this trip Ron will lead us in finding such beauties as Acadian and Coral hairstreaks, Aphrodite Fritillary, the rare Two-spotted Skipper, Bronze Copper, Eyed Brown, Northern Pearly-eye, White Admiral and many others. Skippers will include Black Dash, Broad-winged, Dion, and Long Dash. We may see the beautiful Baltimore Checkerspot, Harris' Checkerspot, and the federally endangered Karner Blue. We will also enjoy the many species of dragonflies at Sandhill. If time permits, we could also visit a nearby spruce/tamarack bog. (If you want to walk in the bog bring boots. Bog Coppers have been seen there.) Bring binoculars, the closer they focus the better. We will have a few extra pairs of binoculars. Also bring insect repellent to protect against mosquitoes, and ticks. A hat, long sleeves and long pants are recommended. Bring a bag lunch and water. Co-sponsor is the Madison Audubon Society.

Directions: Meet at the Sandhill Headquarters parking lot. Take I-90/94 up to the New Lisbon area in Juneau Co. and take Hwy 80 north. In Wood County, just 1/3 mile before Babcock, turn left onto County X. Go 1 1/4 mile on X to the Sandhill entrance. (Allow at least 1 hour and 45 minutes for travel.) Call Ron at (715) 424-2996 if you have a question about the trip. On the day of the trip Ron will have his cell phone on: (715) 741-0052. (If rain threatens, call Ron to see if the trip must be cancelled due to weather.)

July 17, 10 a.m. - noon (Saturday)

Pretty Things with Wings: Birds, Butterflies and Dragonflies of the Lakeshore Nature Preserve

Trip Leader: Edgar Spalding

On this trip to the Picnic Point area we expect to see interesting bird species and at least half a dozen species of dragonflies and twice as many different butterflies. The walking route will include the edge of Mendota's University Bay, the woods of Picnic Point, and the Biocore Prairie. Bring your binoculars-the closer they focus the better. We will have a few extra binoculars. This trip is co-sponsored by Friends of the Lakeshore Nature Preserve and the Madison Audubon Society.

Meet at the Picnic Point Parking Lot, along University Bay Drive, on the UW campus. Call Edgar at (608) 265-5294 or 831-0616 only if you have a question about the trip.

August 14, 10:30 - 4 p.m. (Saturday)

Butterflies of the Avoca/Blue River Area

Trip Leader: Mike Reese

This trip will highlight several areas in the Lower Wisconsin State Riverway, including Avoca Prairie and Savanna State Natural Area in Iowa County, Blue River unit in Grant County and along the Wisconsin River north of Blue River. Leader will be Mike Reese. We expect to see late butterflies and several southern immigrants. A hat and long pants are recommended. Bring a lunch and binoculars (the closer they focus the better). A few extra binoculars are available. This is a joint trip with the Madison Audubon Society.

Directions: Allow 1-1/4 hour travel time from Madison. Take Hwy 14 west to Lone Rock, south on Hwy 130 then turn right on Hwy 133. Go west about 5.5 miles, turn right on Hay Rd, and drive north to the parking lot just before the creek. Call Mike at (920) 787-2341 if you have a question about the trip.

August 28, noon - 3 p.m. (Saturday)

Butterflies and Blossoms at Pheasant Branch Conservancy

Trip Leader: Dreux Watermolen

Join us on a walk through the lovely Pheasant Branch Conservancy in Middleton. The many beautiful asters should be in bloom, and we hope lots of butterflies will be nectaring on these flowers. We can expect several species, including Monarchs, sulfurs, blues, and possibly some southern immigrants, such as Common Buckeye and Painted Lady. You never know what you may find! We will also learn more about restoration efforts at the conservancy. Long pants, a hat, water, and sturdy hiking shoes are recommended. Close-focusing binoculars are also useful. (We will have a few extra binoculars.) We will hike two or three miles. Co-sponsors are Friends of the Pheasant Branch Conservancy and the Madison Audubon Society. Contact the trip leader only if you have questions: Dreux Watermolen: (608) 266-8931, dreux.watermolen@dnr.state.wi.us

Directions: At the west end of Lake Mendota take Allen Boulevard north, then turn left on Century Avenue (Co. M). Track your mileage as you turn right onto Old Creek Road and then right on Pheasant Branch Road going north 1.2 miles to the small county parking lot at the beginning of the gated road.

August 29, 1 - 2:30 p.m. (Sunday)

Magnificent Monarch Butterflies at Olbrich Botanical Gardens    

Trip Leader: Karl Legler

Pre-registration required.

Fee: $11 Olbrich members, $13 non-members

Learn about the amazing Monarch butterfly and other butterfly species you may see in your own backyard or at Olbrich. Karl Legler, vice-president of the Southern WIsconsin Butterfly Association, will give an indoor presentation on Monarch butterflies, including their lives in Mexcio and the U.S. and their migration. Legler will continue his talk about Monarchs and other butterflies during an outdoor walk as we find and observe these magnificent insects in the Gardens. Bring close-focusing binoculars if you have them.

Meet at Olbrich Botanical Gardens in Madison at 1 p.m. To register (required), call Olbrich or visit Olbrich Botanical Gardens web site at http://www.olbrich.org/education/classes.cfm

Sept. 4, 1:30 p.m. (Saturday)

Grasshoppers!

Trip Leader: Kathy Kirk

Our leader co-authored  A Guide to the Grasshoppers of Wisconsin published by Wisconsin DNR. The book exhibited the state's grasshopper species with color photos, range maps, and species accounts. Our appreciation of grasshoppers will take a big leap forward as Kathy leads this trip into sand prairie areas in search of these fascinating and beautiful insects. We will spend 2-3 hours learning how to discern grasshoppers from katydids, and learn about behavior, ecology, life history, and the biology needed for identification. We will net-and-release the various species for observation and discussion.

Attendees that have aerial nets and minnow nets are encouraged to bring them to have fun chasing grasshoppers. Also bring close-focusing binoculars if you have them. This is a joint trip of SWBA and the Madison Audubon Society.

Directions: Meet at the parking lot of the Mazomanie Sand Barrens. From Middleton take Highway 12 toward Sauk City. At the intersection with Y turn left (west) onto Y and go nearly 2 1/2 miles to the sign for the Sand Barrens. Take the short road to the parking lot. Call Kathy at (608) 442-1642 only if you have a question about the trip.