For approximately three hours, participants counted butterflies present in the Parks’ butterfly gardens and walked predetermined routes through additional Park areas, including forested areas, pond edges, and open lawn spaces. Volunteers recorded if certain types of butterflies were observed in the butterfly gardens or in other natural park areas.

Interestingly, every Park added at least one new butterfly species that was not observed during the Summer count last June. At Conner Park, which is bordered by coastal estuary habitat including mangroves, participants observed both the Mangrove Buckeye and the Mangrove Skipper. Butterfly counters at Sugden Regional Park noticed Common Buckeyes between the nature trail and Lake Avalon. Dorantes Longtail Skippers were recorded for the first time at both Sugden and North Collier Regional Parks.

Although overall butterfly abundance and species diversity was lower compared to the summer counts, this trend was expected based on seasonal changes in weather. In general, fewer butterflies are observed during the cooler, dry season. As “cold-blooded” insects, butterflies require warm ambient temperatures to maintain active flight. This means few butterflies are seen on cool days. Additionally, a lack of rainfall tends to reduce new growth on butterfly host plants. With fewer egg-laying sites, food for caterpillars, and flowers in bloom, the butterfly’s life cycle may slow down or pause in earlier life stages (egg, caterpillar, or chrysalis) and reduce chances of seeing adult butterflies.

These butterfly counts were made possible by dedicated Garden Program Volunteers along with additional participants representing Calusa Garden Club, Collier County Master Gardeners, Collier County Parks & Recreation, Cypress Cove Landkeepers, and the Naples Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society.

Thank you to Debi Siciliano (Volunteer Coordinator) and the following individuals for your optimistic efforts in completing these counts, despite less than perfect weather conditions: Dena & Scott Berglund, Dante Cirilli, Christy Duff, Lisa Forman, Cherie Glen, Melissa Hennig, Daphne Jameson, Susan LaGrotta, Leslie Landert, Twyla Leigh, Bonnie Lervik, Maureen McFarland, Tara McGraw, Andee Naccarato, Connie Nagele, Debbie Polen, Jane Smith, and Sally & Kirby Stein.

Data gathered from this citizen science project is being shared with butterfly conservation organizations, such as eButterfly and the North American Butterfly Association. Comparisons of butterfly abundance and diversity in different seasons will be a unique addition to knowledge of butterfly natural history in Southwest Florida. More butterfly counts are being planned for Summer 2022. If you would like to volunteer, please contact Connie Nagele (Lead Volunteer) at CNageleart@gmail.com.

Thank you to all the members and partners of the volunteer garden program for your hard work and dedication to our environment, sustainability of our pollinators and education to our community about the importance of your work and providing information for community members to be able to facilitate this mission at their homes and condos.

If you would like to make an impact on our environment, help cultivate habitats for pollinators and other wildlife and make our parks a more beautiful space at the same time contact Connie at the e-mail address above for more information.

This amazing group of volunteers meets weekly to clean up the beach, parking lots, clean signage on the boardwalk, remove invasive plants from natural areas, maintain the nature trails and so much more. If you are passionate about the environment and would like to join this team, call Debi at the number on the flyer below.

Welcome back Friends of Barefoot Beach and thank you for your commitment to our community through educational lectures, tours, and your dedicated Naturalists, docents, gardeners, learning center staff and guest speakers. You bring fun and education to the patrons of Barefoot Beach which would be impossible for Parks' to do without you.

Use your smart phone to scan the QR code above, or click on the poster above to find out more about Friends of Barefoot Beach and how you may become a member of this impactful organization.

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