At Kedron Brook Catchment Branch, we’re always on lookout for opportunities to connect our local environmental groups and contribute to citizen science initiatives that promote biodiversity conservation. On Saturday 23rd March 2024, we had pleasure of participating in Brisbane’s Big Butterfly Count, a city-wide event aimed at monitoring butterfly populations and their habitats.
Why Butterflies Matter
Butterflies are not only exquisite creatures that grace our skies their vibrant colors and delicate wings; they also play a crucial role in our ecosystems as pollinators and indicators of environmental health. By monitoring butterfly populations, we can gain valuable insights into health of our local environment and make informed conservation decisions to protect their habitats.
Our Butterfly Count Adventure
Armed butterfly identification guides and enthusiasm for outdoor exploration, our team of volunteers set out to survey butterfly population of Sparkes Hill at Stafford. From fluttering flight of Brown Ringlet to graceful glide of Dainty Swallowtail, each sighting filled us wonder and appreciation for natural world around us.
Community Engagement and Education
Participating in Big Butterfly Count wasn’t just about counting butterflies; it was also an opportunity to engage our local community and raise awareness about importance of conserving butterfly habitats. Alongside our surveys, expert volunteer guide Karen Roberts provided educational insights and knowledge, where participants learned about butterfly identification, lifecycle, and plants that support them.
The Power of Citizen Science
Citizen science initiatives like Big Butterfly Count demonstrate power of collective action in monitoring and conserving biodiversity. By involving people of all ages and backgrounds in scientific research, we can gather large amounts of data that would be impossible to collect through traditional methods alone. Together, we can make a meaningful impact on conservation of our natural world.
Looking Ahead
This is Kedron Brook Catchment Branch’s second participation in Brisbane’s Big Butterfly Count to contribute towards ongoing commitment to butterfly conservation and environmental stewardship of Brisbane Catchments Network. We look forward to continuing our efforts to protect habitats of these fluttering beauties and inspire others to join us next time!
Join Us in Protecting Butterflies and Their Habitats
Whether you’re a seasoned lepidopterist or simply curious about world of butterflies, there are many ways to get involved in our conservation efforts. Join us for future butterfly surveys, attend our educational events or volunteer your time to help restore butterfly habitats along Kedron Brook. Together, we can make a difference for butterflies and all living beings that call our catchment area home.
Stay tuned to our website and social media channels for updates on upcoming events and opportunities to get involved. Let’s continue to spread our wings and protect fluttering wonders of Kedron Brook!