Massachusetts Butterfly Club
2022 Schedule - Field Trips and July Counts
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MA Butterfly Trip and July count schedules for 2023
The field trip and count schedules will be posted here soon. We'll send a message to MassLep when it is available.
See below for our COVID-19 Guidelines.
COVID-19 Guidelines for Mass Butterfly Club Trips and Counts
Leaders:
- Leaders may choose to ask participants to wear masks, and should ask whether the group is comfortable with or without masks.
- Trips are held at the discretion of the leader. If a leader isn’t comfortable and an alternate leader isn’t found, the trip can be cancelled.
- Leaders are responsible for the group following the property guidelines of the site. These may include one-way trails, parking limitations, etc..
Participants:
- Contact a leader the day before a trip to let them know you will be participating. Leader contact information can be found in the trip/count description.
- Participants do not have to wear masks, but should bring a mask in case the group determines that they’re more comfortable masking.
- Make every attempt to keep a social distance of 6+ feet and take turns to photograph butterflies.
- If you need a mask break or a water break, move to a location that’s far away from the group.
- Enjoy the socially-distanced butterflies!
All field trips (including NABA counts) are open to anyone interested in learning about butterflies. On our field trips we strive to look for butterflies without harming them. Butterfliers also socialize and have fun on field trips! And along the way, we can raise public awareness about butterflies.
NABA Counts are field trips that have the additional purpose of gathering data that will help us monitor butterfly populations over many years. Data collection for the counts is a little more precise, and the counts focus on both the same time of year and the same specific geographic areas year after year. They also record the number of observers participating. Often counts take longer than other field trips, and some of them include a get-together at the end of the day to discuss findings and share a meal.
NABA suggestions for improving observations on butterfly counts
Link to NABA butterfly count page
Hunting Season - Please be aware of the different hunting seasons in Massachusetts. It is a good idea to wear a bright orange vest or jacket when you are in the field during hunting season. Below is a link to the Massachusetts Fish and Wildlife web page which has links to the different hunting seasons. https://www.mass.gov/hunting-regulations.
Checklist for field trips:
CALL AHEAD: In consideration for the field trip leader, call ahead to say that you plan to attend, to confirm meeting time and place, to find out how long the trip will be (i.e. should you bring lunch, etc.), to check for changes in plan, and to check for a rain date.
Tips: Bring binoculars, hand lens, field guide(s), sunscreen, water, hat, insect repellant, allergy medicines, snacks and/or lunch, pen/pencil & small pad for recording, camera. Wear comfortable clothing and sturdy walking shoes. Be prepared to have a really good time!
Guidelines for field trips:
- Netting is not allowed.
- Do not trample the habitat, particularly the host and nectar plants.
- Photographers should allow everyone to see the butterfly before moving in to take pictures.
- Make every effort to see that others see the butterflies that you find.
- Dogs (except for service dogs) are not allowed.
- Alcohol and illicit drugs are not allowed.
- No loud music is allowed.