July 4, 2010 - Summer Census
Welcome to the Nature Notebook.

The 2010 census has come and gone but another one is just starting. This one is for butterflies. Early July is the height of the butterfly season and time for the annual butterfly count. Organized by the North American Butterfly Association, the census is a survey of butterflies across North America. Volunteers conduct the count in designated areas, gathering important information on types and numbers of species observed. This information is compiled and scrutinized by the North American Butterfly Association to determine butterfly population trends across the nation. Because butterflies are sensitive to habitat change and environmental pollution, they serve as an indicator of environmental health. Here in Pennsylvania there are a baker’s dozen of count sites. Volunteers are always welcome. To become involved go to the North American Butterfly Association’s website for more information.

This is PPL's naturalist, Jon Beam, with the Nature Notebook for WVIA.