New Hampshire residents will have an opportunity to help scientists track butterfly populations across the state this summer as the New Hampshire Butterfly Monitoring Network (NHBMN) prepares for its annual butterfly counts throughout July.
The community science events invite volunteers of all ages and experience levels to spend time outdoors while contributing valuable data that supports butterfly conservation efforts in the Granite State.
Helping Track New Hampshire’s Butterflies
Butterflies play an important role in local ecosystems. They serve as indicators of environmental health and provide food for a variety of wildlife, including migrating birds. While more than 100 butterfly species are found in New Hampshire, researchers say there is still limited information about where many species occur and how their populations are changing over time.
Because butterflies can be found in forests, wetlands, fields, gardens, and backyards throughout the state, volunteer observations help provide a broader picture of butterfly distribution than scientists could gather alone.
“These counts are a wonderful opportunity for people to spend time outdoors, connect with nature, and contribute meaningful data that supports butterfly conservation,” said Heidi Holman, who leads pollinator projects at the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department. “Every observation helps improve our understanding of long term butterfly trends in New Hampshire.”
Community Science in Action
The annual butterfly counts are part of a larger monitoring effort that combines formal surveys with public observations. Information collected through the program contributes to statewide and regional conservation initiatives and helps scientists monitor changes in butterfly populations over time.
The counts are part of a continent wide effort conducted at roughly 450 locations across North America. In New Hampshire, eight designated count circles participate each year. Each count takes place within a 15 mile diameter survey area registered with the North American Butterfly Association.
Local coordinators organize each event and rely on volunteers to help identify and count butterflies throughout the day.
2026 Butterfly Count Schedule
Volunteers can participate in any of the following scheduled counts:
Squam Lakes — July 8
Baker Ponds — July 11
Great Bay — July 15
Errol — July 16
Lake Sunapee — July 16
Conway Area — July 18
SuperSanctuary (Monadnock Region) — July 18
Capital Area — July 25
No prior experience is required. Organizers encourage naturalists, photographers, families, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone interested in learning more about butterflies to get involved.
How to Participate
Those interested in joining a butterfly count can find additional information and register for an event at nhbutterflies.org.
The New Hampshire Butterfly Monitoring Network is led by the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department and UNH Cooperative Extension. The program also works in collaboration with partners across the state, including NH Audubon, Tin Mountain Conservation Center, the Harris Center for Conservation Education, Squam Lakes Natural Science Center, and Ausbon Sargent Land Preservation Trust.
For questions about the program, interested volunteers may contact Heidi Holman at the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department or Haley Andreozzi with UNH Cooperative Extension.
Heidi Holman, NH Fish and Game Department
Heidi.L.Holman@wildlife.nh.gov
Haley Andreozzi, UNH Cooperative Extension
603-862-5327
