Get Involved

We need your help! The success of the Florida Butterfly Monitoring Network relies on trained volunteers and staff members to collect and submit data from direct observations at hundreds of sites across Florida, something a small number of scientists could never simply achieve. The techniques are easy to learn and the field work fun to do. In the FBMN, every participant matters. The data you collect matters. By participating in the FBMN, you are helping conserve Florida's butterfly populations.

How it Works

Each FBMN participant commits to:

• conducting at least 6 site monitoring visits each year
• continuing with the FBMN for multiple seasons
• spending 1 to 2 hours to walk the survey route during each site visit
• learning to accurately identify 25-30 butterfly species the first year, and another 25-30 the second year
• following the specific program field monitoring and data collection protocol
• submitting data sheets which are then added to the FBMN database

All new participants will receive both classroom and field training. Training workshops provide an introduction to butterfly biology and behavior, the basics of butterfly identification including an overview of 25-30 common butterfly species, and a comprehensive review of the field monitoring and data collection methods. Introductory and review sessions are held several times throughout the year at one of the participating AZA institutions or conservation land areas. New participants are strongly encouraged to attend. Check the Latest News section for more information on available training workshops.

Once familiar with the program, each FBMN participant is assigned a specific field site to regularly monitor. Sight selection is based on the need for monitoring, participant skill level, and site location. Whenever possible, new participants are teamed with more experienced butterfly monitors. Following each site survey, participants are asked to submit all data sheets so that the information can be added to the FBMN database.

Who Can Participate

Anyone 18 years of age or older is invited to participate no matter of your expertise or location within Florida. Whether a seasoned naturalist, an avid butterfly watcher, or just someone who wants to learn more about our state’s wildlife, the FBMN is for you.

Program Materials and Equipment

All necessary training materials and field data sheets are available through the FBMN. Additional field equipment that participants may find useful includes:

• A butterfly field identification guide
• A pair of close focusing binoculars
• A butterfly net (for capture and release only – the FBMN does NOT permit collecting at any monitoring site)
• A digital camera (useful to document observations and share information)

Why Participate

The FBMN teams citizen scientists with biologists to survey the health of butterfly populations across Florida. Participants learn new skills, make lasting friendships, get outdoors to explore our remaining natural places and most importantly have fun in the process.

Even more importantly, the data you collect on the distribution and population trends of both common and imperiled species will be used to develop appropriate conservation and management strategies, helping to protect Florida’s biodiversity.

How to Join

For more information on the program or to join the Florida Butterfly Monitoring Network, please contact Jaret Daniels at jcdnls@ufl.edu. Please be sure to put FBMN in the subject line of the email.