View in your browser

BACKYARD BUTTERFLIES



Welcome Back, reader!






March 2021 Edition

Fellow Butterfliers,

I hope this finds you in good health and spirits, ready and excited to start this year's butterfly season. It seems like everything is off to a slow and steady start. Let's hope this trend continues!

Last week's beautiful weather made me think of the antiquated word vernalagnia. It means spring fever or the romantic mood one feels during this time of year. I was sure during the warm spell that the dozens of chrysalises I have kept over the winter would start eclosing. The Black Swallowtails are usually first followed by Pipevines and then Spicebushes. As of today I've not welcomed any butterflies to the world. Perhaps they are sharing the same feeling I have of a reluctance to come out of hibernation?

John has been busy since the start of the year with germinating seeds, transplanting seedlings, and hardening them off with "solar playdates". He tells me we're on track to have around 40 different species and a total of 2,000 plants ready for our reopening on April 1st. Plus we'll be adding more species as they become ready up until our Open House in June.

Right now we've not scheduled any butterfly walks but that may change as more of us become fully vaccinated. We are still planning for our annual Open House & Plant Swap in June, and it's never too early to save the dates for the upcoming NABA butterfly counts in August.

Let's Go Butterflying!
LMCarlson
(they/them)

Plant Shop Opens April 1st

Ready to Reopen!

Our greenhouse is filling up with plants ready to go to their forever homes. Now until April 1st we'll be updating inventory numbers in our shop. Look for our official plant list around March 30th on our Facebook Page, or by subscribing to our Shop Updates email when you visit our online shop.

We've added dozens more host plants this season to help you support more species' life cycles. We've also added plants that grow in part shade, and plants that like wet soil.

Changes to Pricing, Pick-Up & Delivery

We've lowered our prices! Milkweeds are now $6. Most perennials are now $5 and annuals are $3.

All orders are now by delivery only. Delivery is free within the 27278 ZIP code. Delivery zones and fees remain the same as last year. Delivery is free to all zones with a minimum subtotal of $100.

Create a Wishlist

We've also added the ability to create a wishlist of plants. Plants added to your wishlist will be saved for when they become available. Items on your wishlist can be then added directly into your cart.
An image of...

Call for Board Members

We are pleased to announce that we are seeking fellow Lepidoptera lovers to become part of our organizational leadership. As a member of our Board of Directors you will assist in leading Backyard Butterflies towards a sustainable future so that we can fulfill our three part mission of providing education, community outreach, and help members of our greater communities create backyard butterfly habitats.
The following is a brief summary of requirements and preferences of prospective applicants:
Requirements
  • Attend annual Board Meeting
  • Willing to commit to 2 year term
  • Age 18+
  • Access to video conferencing
  • Disclose any conflicts of interest
Preferred
  • Experience with butterfly gardening
  • Experience with hand raising caterpillars
  • Previous experience serving with nonprofits
More detailed information is on our website along with an online application. If you have any questions please reach out to us. Deadline to apply is April 15, 2021. We look forward to receiving your application!

Limited Time Only Butterflies

It's that time of year to see some "limited time only" (LTO) butterflies at a park or nature preserve near you.

The Brown and Henry's Elfin are most associated with Occoneechee Mtn State Park and can be found along the Brown Elfin Knob Trail. The Falcate Orangetip can be sighted in the parking lot, and along the pathway to the trailhead you'll likely encounter Juvenal's Duskywings.

Falcate Orangetips are common and can be found just about everywhere. Males have the orange tips on the forewings; females do not.
Learn more about these single brood butterflies by clicking on their names.

Everything But the Caterpillars: New Kits in Our Shop


Due to the pandemic social distancing protocols it's proven to be a challenge to hold any kind of in-person event. We hope we have found a suitable solution!

We are now offering kits that include everything BUT the caterpillars. The idea is that you immediately plant the host plants. Before or when you find eggs or caterpillars schedule your own person workshop using a video conferencing platform of your choice.

Kits Include:
  • 45 minute personal workshop (schedule before or when you find eggs or caterpillars)
  • 2 host plants
  • Mini critter keeper for 1-2 caterpillars
  • Booklet (digital download)
  • Continued support by text, email, or video conferencing


Caterpillar Support

We offer Caterpillar Support to those who are in need of host plants, foster care, or adoption of caterpillars.

There are 20 species of caterpillar that we can provide the host plant for, and we can also provide host plants for some species of moths.

This program is free of charge. All you need to do is apply letting us know what host plants you need, or if you need us to foster care or adopt your caterpillars.

Yard Assessment

cropped-IMG_20170620_090241012-e1551900955670.jpg
Not sure what plants to grow in your habitat? We can help by conducting a yard assessment that will provide you with a plant recommendation list.
Plant Pots Return Request
We appreciate the return of pots for re-use if you happen to be passing by our way. No need to contact us, just drop them off on our porch.
transparentBYBF-1 (1)
Coming Up in April:

1st: Plant Shop Reopens
15th: Seasonal Newsletter
17th: Earth Day Celebration at Sylvan Heights Bird Park