This year’s annual conference will headquarter at the Eden Valley Guest Ranch, 10 miles east of Oroville.

Mt Hull and the Scotch Creek Wildlife Area are full on into spring as of the end of April, with buttercups, blue bells, shooting stars, and balsamroot blooming. Here’s what we anticipate – around Mt. Hull, we might see some extremely cool skippers, such as Peck’s Skipper, Polites peckius; Garita Skipperling, Oarisma garita; and Tawny-edged skipper, Polites themistocles. Also on our “likely” list are Common Alpine, Eribea epipsodea; Chryxus Arctic, Oeneis chryxus; and the Silver-bordered Fritillary, Boloria selene. There should be many other species to enjoy in the meadows and along the roads. Already 24 butterfly enthusiasts are registered as of the end of April, so it should be a fun gathering and a good way to catch up with old and new butterflying friends.

Field trips are planned for Mount Hull. Alternatives, depending on whether we have an early or late season, are the Mary Ann Creek area of the Scotch Creek Wildlife Area a bit further east and the Sinlahekin Wildlife Area to the west. Mary Ann Creek is generally higher than the Mt. Hull area, and the Sinlahekin is lower, providing some flexibility in adjusting for an early or late season.

Since the habitat may well be past its prime by July, we scheduled in June, recognizing a somewhat increased risk of rainy or cool weather. Some of the June species we might see are Peck’s Skipper, Garita Skipperling, Tawny-edged Skipper, Common Alpine, Chryxus Arctic, and the Silver-bordered Fritillary, as well as many other species. Also, consider visiting Moses Meadows, Long Swamp, or 30-mile Creek on way to or from the conference for more chances of seeing the Meadow Fritillary and Freija Fritillary.

Mt. Hull area, and the Sinlahekin is lower, providing some flexibility in adjusting for an early or late season. Since the habitat may well be past its prime by July, we scheduled in June, recognizing a somewhat increased risk of rainy or cool weather. Some of the June species we might see are Peck’s Skipper, Garita Skipperling, Tawny-edged Skipper, Common Alpine, Chryxus Arctic, and the Silver-bordered Fritillary, as well as many other species. Also, consider visiting Moses Meadows, Long Swamp, or 30-mile Creek on way to or from the conference for more chances of seeing the Meadow Fritillary and Freija Fritillary.