January 21
“Winter Party – Potluck and Gift Exchange”
February 7
“Back from the Brink of Extinction”
Mary Jo Anderson from the Portland Zoo will present a fascinating program on how the Portland Zoo worked with several governmental and environmental agencies to bring back the Oregon Silverspot.. This has become a national model. You will never forget this truly amazing story of what can be done if we care and work together.
March 7
“Discovering the Unique Wildlife of Madagascar” Dave and Jo Nunnallee have recently returned from Madagascar with many tales and photos of the wildlife and natural history of this unique country. Dave’s wonderful photographs always make us feel like we joined them on the trip and share in their adventures.
April 4
“Butterfly updates in the South Cascades and the Columbia Basin”Dr. Robert M. Pyle will discuss the many changes which are taking place in the butterfly populations of the South Cascades and the Columbia Basin area. New discoveries, splits, and the fascinating changes of this region. He will also present his latest book. Dr. Pyle is always a big draw so come early and stay late!
April 4
“Mold Butterflies: The Butterfly Fauna of the Lower Columbia” For almost thirty years, Dr. Robert M. Pyle has studied the butterflies of the Willapa Hills in southwest Washington. In spite of ten feet-plus of rain, the southwest corner of the state supports a modest but fascinating fauna. Bob will share the adaptations, restraints, specialties, and changes occurring with global warming for the Lepidoptera that Jon Pelham refers to as “Pyle’s mold butterflies.” Be prepared for some surprises. Bob will also introduce his new book, “Sky Time in Gray’s River: Living For Keeps in a Forgotten Place.”
May 2
“Why Butterflies?” Jon Pelham will present this program. Jon, our science adviser, will explore what causes the fascination of persons from all ages, walks of life, and qualities. Jon’s programs are always fun, interesting and turning in many directions. Don’t miss this one. Kids are always welcome!
June 6
“The Elusive Butterflies of Washington” Bob Hardwick has prepared a program to help us reach beyond the butterflies we usually see. Using his excellent photos he will show us some of the harder to find butterflies in the state and tell us where to find them. Kids are always welcome!
July
There will be no membership meeting because the conference is June 29 – July 1.
August 2
“Share the Wealth” Last year’s Share the Wealth was the best ever! Much learning and a lot of laughter! Bring your butterfly, moth, and dragonfly photos for show and/or identification and don’t miss this one … it’s always informal, informative and fun! You don’t need to contribute to the program to have fun and learn.
September 5
“Late Summer Butterflies of Western Washington.” (Speaker to be announced)
Many species of butterflies don’t even appear until July while some have two broods with the late brood appearing in late summer. This program will be a refresher on the identification tricks of these species and also talking about what happens to them during the winter.
October 3
“Lepidoptera and Bats…What is the Connection?” presented by Barb Ogaard, bat specialist and rehabilitator.
Once a year we have a program on predators of lepidoptera such as previous programs on Dragonflies and on Spiders. Barb will present a fascinating program on how bats catch moths and why they are so important in our ecosystem. She may bring live bats for an up-close and personal view.
November 7
“Looking ‘outside the box’ or net, as the case may be” Washington state Senator Ken Jacobsen will explore several directions with WBA: A possible state butterfly, our role in ecotourism and also respond to any questions on environmental issues related to butterfly conservation. Come with your questions as this will be an excellent opportunity for open discussions on issues of concern.
December 5
“Swallowtail Seasons: the First Butterfly Big Year” Dr. Robert Pyle, with always something fun and interesting, will present his plan for a butterfly “big year” as he outlines his travels to find as many species as he can within the year. We will see many of the butterflies occurring in other states and be able to follow Bob as he shares seasons and locations to see them. This is the beginning of what will no doubt take on future challengers. You’ll see it here first!