What we’re about
The Washington Butterfly Association is dedicated to the enjoyment, conservation and understanding of butterflies and their ecology through education and scientific understanding.
Founded in 1999, we have members all over the state of Washington. Our monthly meetings are in Seattle. They are held on the first Wednesday of the month in September thru December, then February thru May. We invite all people interested in butterflies to attend our meetings. Kids are always welcome.
Our topics are normally related to butterflies and moths. Occasionally we will throw in a meeting about some other nature topic. Examples are: binoculars, bats, dragon flies.
Check our website for more information:
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Umtanum Ridge, Yakima River CanyonNeeds location
If you are interested, please contact
David Droppers
tl_DavidD@wabutterflyassoc.orgDavid has never seen a Nevada Skipper, but he also doesn’t have a high clearance, 4 wheel drive vehicle to get up the sketchy road to Umtanum Ridge. So he’s going to walk the trail leading up from Umtanum Recreation Area to the ridge! Expect a 2400 foot, but leisurely taken, climb up to the ridge where the butterfly is known to be. Other possibilities are Western Green Hairstreak, scores of blues, hilltopping swallowtails, etc. Expect plenty of sweat, butterflies, and good times!
Meet at Tibbett’s Valley Park at 7:00 AM and we’ll carpool from there. Parking payment necessary at Umtanum Recreation Area – bringing cash is best.
Difficulty: Level 3-4 - 2025 Study WeekendNeeds location
Yakima Area – Ahtanum State Forest, Ahtanum Creek. Rimrock. Bethel Ridge, Conner Meadows, Crab Creek.
To register, go to: https://reg.planetreg.com/E2322434868963
Our meeting venue for both Friday and Saturday evenings will be the Yakima Arboretum, starting at 6:00PM. The Yakima Area Arboretum is an urban green space and refuge on 46 acres of land cultivated as display gardens, tree collections, and natural areas.
Friday, we will gather in the Gardenview meeting room to check-in, complete the liability waiver for the field trips, and socialize. Light refreshments will be provided to keep us energized. There is a tentative plan for a mothing experience later that evening. We will communicate that information as soon as we have confirmation and location.
On Saturday, we will gather again in the Gardenview meeting room for our program night and pizza dinner. Our keynote speaker will be our very own member and expert, Dr. David James. He will present his latest research paper, a collaborative effort with the Cowiche Canyon Conservancy, on the ecology and migration of the Coronis Fritillary, Speyeria coronis. This presentation promises to offer us a fascinating glimpse into a vibrant sage-steppe butterfly.
Please note that you are responsible for making your own lodging arrangements. There are many lodging options in Yakima which you can review at http://www.visityakima.com/.
A Washington State Discover Pass and America the Beautiful National Parks & Federal Recreational Lands Passes may be required for our filed locations.
Discover Pass | Washington State Parks
Recreational Passes | USGS StoreLocation Friday and Saturday:
Yakima Arboretum
Gardenview meeting room
1401 Arboretum Drive
Yakima, Washington 98901
Beginning at 6:00 PM both evenings
