Get ready to count butterflies

Look for beautiful butterflies during two July events in York County.
(photo via Anita363 on Flickr)

Butterfly fans have two chances to get out and count some beautiful flying insects in York County this month.

First up is the free butterfly count from 10 a.m. to noon Wednesday, July 14, at the Brunner Island Wetlands.

Butterfly counters will be hiking through the wetlands starting at the Wood Duck pavilion across from Gate A on Wago Road in York Haven. Wear long pants and comfortable shoes for the hike and bring a field guide and binoculars capable of focusing on objects less than 6 feet away. Some knowledge of butterfly identification will be helpful.

If the weather is bad, the program will be canceled. For details, contact Karen Ament at (717) 284-6274 or kament@pplweb.com.

Are you on the lookout for butterflies? (photo via Steve2005 on Flickr)

Later in the month, Richard M. Nixon County Park will host the York County Department of Parks and Recreation’s annual butterfly count. The program will last from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, July 31, at the park, 5922 Nixon Drive, Springfield Township.

Counters will be assigned to teams and carpool to counting areas. Ages 10 and up, accompanied by an adult, can join in the fun with no experience necessary. The counters will explore a circle 15 miles in diameter with help from the North American Butterfly Association.

Participants are asked to wear long pants and sunblock and bring water, a bag lunch, a field guide and binoculars.

The Nixon Park program costs $3 per person for ages 13 and up, and pre-registration is required.

For details, call the Nixon Park Nature Center at (717) 428-1961 or visit the county parks website.