Mississauga, Brampton residents urged to help identify the region’s butterflies

Mississauga and Brampton residents who enjoy being keen observers of nature can put that interest and talent to work to help the local conservation authority keep track of butterflies.

Credit Valley Conservation (CVC), which is responsible for protecting, restoring and managing the natural area within the Credit River watershed (Mississauga, Brampton, Caledon), is encouraging people to join its Butterfly Blitz program.

The five-year project began in 2019 and will continue until 2024. The 2022 blitz effort concludes on Sept. 17.

“We invite you to share information about your butterfly sightings to helps us create an inventory of butterflies in the Credit River watershed,” CVC officials say in an online description of the program. “As a citizen scientist in the Butterfly Blitz program, you’ll learn how to identify butterfly species in your backyard and neighbourhood. You can take part on your own time. The data you collect will help us learn important information about local butterfly populations.”

CVC officials say that as they gather more data from sightings, they can:

• understand where different species of butterflies can be found in the watershed
• determine which butterflies are locally rare or common
• understand if species are becoming more or less common over time

Officials with the conservation authority say those interested in becoming “citizen scientists” during the remaining days of the 2022 blitz, or signing up for next year, don’t have to be an expert–or anything close.

“Anyone can contribute to Butterfly Blitz, and it’s a great way to learn,” the CVC says. “If you already know a bit about butterflies or want to commit more time to the project, we’ve got options for that, too. Everyone is welcome.”

Those who participate are also eligible to win prizes in the following categories:

• most observations
• most species
• rarest species
• best photo
• most participation

The red admiral can be identified by its fast and somewhat erratic flight pattern. New England aster and bull thistle are some of its favourite flowers to drink nectar from. Nectar is important as it builds up energy stores for migration 🦋 Learn more: https://t.co/U7jrO5Vki0 pic.twitter.com/f8kKyV9ktT

— Credit Valley Conservation (@CVC_CA) September 9, 2022