Washington Butterfly Association

2011 WBA Study Weekend

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July 15-17, 2011 in Newport, WA

Butterflying at North Baldy • Photo by John Baumann

This July, the Washington Butterfly Association explores the Pend Oreille River area. Conference headquarters will be in Newport, with lectures held in the Pend Oreille Playhouse. The conference runs Friday, July 15 to Sunday, July 17. The registration form is included in this issue of G’Num.

The keynote speaker on Saturday evening is Jon Shepard, Lepidopterist from Nelson, BC. Jon will give us an historic view of butterfly research in the northeastern Washington, northwestern Idaho and Canadian areas. As author of the acclaimed Butterflies of British Columbia, he will share fascinating information about local butterflies.

Blue Copper – Photo by John Baumann

For the Friday evening program, the WBA-east varsity team will present photos of butterflying spots in the area of the conference, photos of butterflies we might see, and facts about the area including geology, habitat, history, and other interesting tidbits.

The Pend Oreille River watershed is home to diverse montane forest and wildlife communities; there are mosaics of conifer forest, riparian thickets, and open meadows with streams, small lakes, and marshes.

Fritillary at North Baldy – Photo by Carol Mack

Depending on the status of the blooming season, we hope to explore the high-elevation North Baldy area, at over 6,000′. North Baldy is famous for open, spectacularly-flowered meadows, stretching for nearly two miles along the ridgeline. Lupine, paintbrush, buckwheat, asters, and many other wildflowers should be blooming there.

Visits to roadside springs and seeps may reveal puddling blues, crescents, coppers, arctics, and much more. This whitebark pine/Clark’s Nutcracker habitat affords beautiful views of the Pend Oreille River to the west, and the Selkirk Range to the east. We may glimpse pink-edged sulphurs or even an eastern tailed blue, depending on seasonal timing.

The Pend Oreille River is very popular with outdoor enthusiasts. Register for the conference and book your lodging now to ensure your participation in this interesting and fun exploration along the eastern border of Washington State.

G’num2011Vol12No2