What we’re about
The Washington Butterfly Association is dedicated to the enjoyment, conservation and understanding of butterflies and their ecology through education and scientific understanding.
Founded in 1999, we have members all over the state of Washington. Our monthly meetings are in Seattle. They are held on the first Wednesday of the month in September thru December, then February thru May. We invite all people interested in butterflies to attend our meetings. Kids are always welcome.
Our topics are normally related to butterflies and moths. Occasionally we will throw in a meeting about some other nature topic. Examples are: binoculars, bats, dragon flies.
Check our website for more information:
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Monitoring Yuma Skippers at Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park July 14-18, date TBDNeeds location
Contact trip leader David James for more information
tl_DavidJ@wabutterflyassoc.orgThe Yuma Skipper (a WDFW species of greatest conservation need) in Washington exists only at Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park. Discovered by Jon Pelham sometime last Century, it remains the WA stronghold for this large, orange skipper. Unfortunately, ten years ago state park management made a serious error when they decided to spray all the Common Reed, Phragmites australis in the park. This is the host plant for Yuma Skipper caterpillars! Whilst this event seriously depleted the Yuma Skipper population it fortunately did not wipe it out! The Sun Lakes habitat has not been systematically surveyed for Yuma Skippers for at least 7 years, and we are keen to see if the species has fully recovered.
Other species at Sun Lakes include Oregon Swallowtails and sometimes Monarchs! I will choose a specific date about a week in advance according to weather conditions. Little hiking is needed and the terrain is mostly flat.
So, if you want to see this skipper and help in collecting data on its abundance, please sign up with me at [david_james@wsu.edu](mailto:david_james@wsu.edu)
