Butterflies for Beginners

From swallowtails to blues, we will search for a variety of species and observe behaviors like puddling, nectaring, and maybe even egg laying. We’ll learn to recognize various native host plants like alders, ocean spray, milkmaids, sticky monkeyflower, yarrow, and purple needle grass as well as introduced plants that native butterflies have adapted to like English plantain. We will also look at native and non-native nectar plants including coastal hedge nettle, dewberry (native blackberry), wild radish and thistles.

Butterflies we have seen during previous April classes in Muddy Hollow include Western Pine Elfins, California Ringlets, Red Admirals, Two Banded Skippers, Mylitta Crescents, Mourning Cloaks, and Painted Ladies.

Class includes an opportunity to view a number of butterfly and caterpillar field guides and learn the pros and cons of different resources.

This class is great preparation for the North American Butterfly Association annual butterfly count in June, the butterfly community’s equivalent of the Christmas Bird Count.

WENDY DRESKIN has been teaching the popular class Meandering in Marin at College of Marin since 1998 and Point Reyes Field Seminars since 2005. In recognition of her work inspiring both children and adults, she was awarded the Terwilliger Environmental Award and inducted into the Marin Women’s Hall of Fame.

Photo Credit: Susan Mayne

Details:

-We will be meeting at the Muddy Hollow Trailhead

- Please arrive 10-15 minutes early to check in

- Refunds available for all classes 7 days in advance of the start date, after 7 days and before 2 days, participants can credit their class for a future date. All requests before 48 hours in advance will be declined. For COVID cancellation policy, see below.

- Please follow the parking instructions for the facility used that day

- Please provide an email you check regularly for updates and reminders about your class

- Registration is required online prior to the event in order to maintain class sizes

- Sales end 48 hours before the start date.

- Waitlists are available when the class sells out

What to Bring:

Day Pack

Lunch Bag

Warm Variable Weather Clothing, Hat and Sunsreen

Hiking Shoes

Water Bottle

Notebook and Pen/Field Journal

Eventbrite Confirmation Email

Binoculars (Optional)

Camera (Optional)

About the PRNSA Field Institute:

The PRNSA Field Institute offers hands-on environmental education classes throughout the year that foster enjoyment of Point Reyes National Seashore. Our classes are led by expert instructors, who take you out of your everyday life and into the natural world. We host a variety of classes about the arts and sciences and have something for everyone. You can reach the Field Institute at (415) 663-1200 x304 or by email at fieldinstitute@ptreyes.org.

Interested in becoming a member of PRNSA? Click Here!

Interested in becoming a PRNSA Field Institute facilitator? Want to take classes for FREE while helping out a great cause? Give us a call!

Are you an outdoor educator or artist who would like to teach a PRNSA Field Institute class? Shoot us an Email!

For any questions, please email us at fieldinstitute@ptreyes.org.

COVID-19 Field Institute Guidelines

In accordance with Marin County and CDC guidelines for public health, we will require all participants to respect the following COVID-19 procedures:

• Perform a health self-check before coming to class using the CDC Symptoms of Coronavirus as a guide

• Do not attend class if you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, suspect you have been exposed to the virus, or are suffering from any other flu-like or respiratory illness.

• Participants exhibiting signs of respiratory illness may be asked to leave class

During class all participants will be required to do the following

• We recommend that all participants continue to wear masks at this time, however, in accordance with CDC guidelines, exceptions can be made for fully vaccinated individuals

• Fully vaccinated individuals may remove masks for outdoor classes, but we recommend continuing to maintain a 4’-6’ distance from other participants

• Unvaccinated individuals are required to wear a face covering at all times

• At this time masks are required for all participants indoors regardless of vaccination status

• Bring your own food and water

• We reserve the right to modify requirements as recommended by NPS regulations or local county health orders at the time of class

NOTE: Refund policy exceptions will be made for participants cancelling last minute due to COVID-19 infection or symptoms. Please contact us in this case.

Thank you for your continuing cooperation in following these guidelines to help keep everyone safe.