Join butterfly hobbyist Michele Sorensen to explore the gardens and natural areas around the Park’s Nature Center in search of caterpillars, skippers, moths and butterflies. We may see Mourning Cloak, Pearl Crescent, Question Mark, Monarch, Cabbage White, Orange or Clouded Sulphurs, tiny Gray Hairstreaks & Blues, and Black or Tiger Swallowtails. Likely Skippers are Peck’s and Silver-spotted. Last year Common Buckeyes were everywhere, as were Monarchs. It will be fun to see which ones predominate this season. Michele is part of the Friends of Sherwood Island Garden Team, which has planted dozens of perennials and shrubs in the park to attract butterflies. She will point out plants that are good host plants for your garden.

Bring binoculars and a camera or smartphone. You’ll learn how to report your findings on iNaturalist so scientists anywhere can see how these insects are doing. Children are welcome. We recommend age 4 and up, as butterflies are small, and don’t stay still, so they can be difficult for younger ones to spot.

Leader: Michele Sorensen

Total Distance: 1 mile

Meeting Place: Meet at the Sherwood Island State Park Nature Center. Ask at the Park gate, turn left at East Beach, parking lot is adjacent to the Nature Center.

Rain Plan & Registration: Rain cancels. Pre-registration is APPRECIATED.

Questions and/or participant registration, contact: Michele Sorensen, michelemsorensen@gmail.com, 203-247-1390