NABA's Annual Fourth of July Butterfly Count

Overview: Join the Oak Spring Biodiversity Management Team for a walk across the forests and meadows at OSGF. The morning will consist of a walking tour around the landscape to survey butterfly species in contribution to the North American Butterfly Association's (NABA) Annual Fourth of July Butterfly Count. Similar to a Christmas Bird Count, these data are used to assess long-term trends in butterfly populations. Our count region also covers Sky Meadows and Blandy Experimental Farm, where other count participants will be concurrently surveying.

What to Expect: Novice and seasoned butterfly and wildlife watchers are welcome but participants should expect several hours of moderate walking across hilly fields and similar uneven terrain. Please arrive with proper footwear, sufficient water, and sun protection. Binoculars and digital cameras are also encouraged.

PLEASE NOTE: This event will be held on the Rokeby side of Oak Spring Garden Foundation and does not overlap with our Garden and Gallery Tour also occuring on Saturday, June 15, 2024. Participants interested in attending the tour, should purchase a separate ticket here.

A bout the Instructor: Dr. Rea Manderino has served as OSGF’s Ecologist and Collections Specialist since 2022, receiving her doctorate in Entomology from SUNY – College of Environmental Science and Forestry in 2021. She specializes in insect conservation and collaborates with researchers in the area and around the country to assess changes in insect communities. She leads several insect-themed programs over the season to document and highlight the invertebrate biodiversity of OSGF.

About OSGF: The Oak Spring Garden Foundation (OSGF) is a philanthropic foundation based at the former primary estate of the late Paul and Rachel Mellon, who were major philanthropists in the U.S. of the arts, humanities, and sciences in the second half of the twentieth century. OSGF is located in the northern Virginia Piedmont and Blue Ridge Mountains region (ca. one-hour drive from Washington, D.C.). Led by Sir Peter Crane, the Foundation’s inaugural President, OSGF provides short courses and supports residencies for artists and scholars. Its celebrated Library comprises rare books, manuscripts and works of art relating to horticulture, landscape design, botany and natural history. It is becoming a new center of stimulation of all things botanical, from fundamental research in plant evolution and conservation, to horticultural and plant conservation practice, to the history and art of plants, gardens and landscapes.

Availability: This event will be capped at 10 participants. Registrations will be accepted on a rolling basis through Eventbrite until full.