We are dedicated to the enjoyment, conservation, and understanding of butterflies and their ecology through education and science.
Who We Are
The Washington Butterfly Association (WBA) is a non-profit organization created to promote a better understanding of the natural world through appreciation of our native butterflies. We welcome people of all ages, children to adults. Our organization includes amateur and professional lepidopterists, as well as total beginners and people who think butterflying might be fun and want to learn more.
Our Mission
The Washington Butterfly Association is a non-profit environmental organization dedicated to the appreciation, understanding, and conservation of butterflies and other pollinators and their ecology. Using education, scientific studies, and advocacy we seek to raise appreciation of their value to our future. We hope that by advocating for our native pollinators we can help bring about a more ecologically sustainable future.
What We Do
Programs
We hold monthly programs on Zoom featuring experts from around the country teaching on diverse topics relating to butterflies.
Programs are on the first Wednesday of the month, September through May.
Field Trips
Each year we take multiple field trips to locations around the state to observe butterflies.
On our trips it is typical for someone to net a butterfly, put it in a viewing jar for identification for all to see, and then release it unharmed.
Study Weekend
Each summer we have a Butterfly Study Weekend. At these events we often see specialty species not commonly seen elsewhere in the state.
At our annual study weekend youth scholarships are offered for budding lepidopterists.
Conservation
We work with state, local and federal governments as well as other organizations and groups to conduct butterfly and habitat surveys.
We also work to educate and advocate for the preservation of butterflies and their habitat.
Our History
The Washington Butterfly Association (WBA) was founded in 1999.
As we put WBA together, we felt that there were 6 components that would produce a successful organization:
- It must be friendly and all-inclusive
- It must inspire people to appreciate, respect and enjoy butterflies, moths, and the native plants that support these insects.
- It must include a free educational component so that all may learn.
- It must make kids feel welcome. They are our future.
- It must be environmentally friendly.
- It must be fun!
– (Idie Ulsh, G’num April-June 2001)
The founding members of WBA were: Idie Ulsh, Jon Pelham, Bob Pyle, David Branch, Dave Nunnallee, Jo Nunnallee, Richard Lindstrom, Tom O’Connell and Richard Youel.
Noticeline
This is a special service to WBA members. Notices are sent out to members reminding them of upcoming meetings, special announcements and copies of interesting butterfly research articles. We make every effort to not overuse this communication and all addresses are blind. If you are a member and are interested in receiving this service, just send your name and e-mail address to: wabutterflyassoc@gmail.com and indicate: Add Noticeline.
If your are not yet a member, join today!
