Earth Day 2023 (April 22) was celebrated in the Methow Valley with a community afternoon event sponsored by Methow Recycles and hosted at the John Doran Ranch in Twisp, Washington. Among the festivities of the half day celebration was an educational village featuring 15-20 different tabling displays with relevant topics and hands-on activities. WBA, represented by Cheryl Bellin, had a table on ‘Butterflies of the Methow Valley ‘ which included a flight period species list from her residence/neighborhood, a live Mourning Cloak and two moths; Books, Photos, Charts with Habitat needs, and Gardening approaches to support butterflies.

Over the 5 hours of attendance the butterfly exhibit was visited by over 40 individuals with roughly 40% children (ages ~3-10) and 60% adults. Future dates for butterfly outings were discussed with several adults including field trips, personal home visits, and helping to develop a pollinator habitat. One young girl revisited with mom in tow to show her what it was all about. All 25 copies of the species list, with current books and online resources, were happily taken away and emails exchanged to pass along a few more. A set of butterfly stickers and one of flowers were given together to the kids to highlight the need for flowers and host plants to support butterflies. A couple of pages from the Field Guide to Butterflies Coloring Book, permission to copy graciously granted by coauthor Bob Pyle, were handed out to take home to remind them of the day along with WBA bookmarks.

Listening to the excitement and curiosity expressed by the kids and the appreciation by many adults was my reward for the day. One young girl, after looking at the Mourning Cloak, said “I saw a green butterfly last week”. I said with enthusiasm “you did!?” I commended her observation skills and showed her a chart with a picture of a Sheridan’s Green Hairstreak that IS flying now and potential buckwheat host plants. I asked her dad if they had buckwheat plants at their home and he nodded. I gave a nod back in hopes that her eye for the butterfly world continues to be encouraged.

As an added bonus for the presenter, the first Julia’s Orangetip of the Methow Valley 2023 season was observed flying through the gathering. Appreciatively, Lucy Reid, a new butterflier, joined me at the table for the event so I could run after it to confirm the sighting. She also provided support when multiple groups visited simultaneously.

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