North Rim Butterfly Count

Butterfly Survey Highlights:

In 2025, the North Rim Butterfly Count was canceled due to the Dragon Bravo Fire. This year, we are excited to announce that the Butterfly Count will return, and we are looking for volunteers with no experience needed.

Join National Park staff and Grand Canyon Conservancy Field Institute for a day observing butterflies on the North Rim and contributing to a nationwide monitoring effort in alignment with the North American Butterfly Association. 

For our 7th year, we do not know what to expect regarding butterfly richness and abundance post-wildfire. But in previous years, we have had around 20-40 participants help document an average of 40 butterfly species, with a record high of 50 species observed in 2023. The number of butterflies identified per participant has also ranged widely. 9 per person in 2019, up to 130 per surveyor in 2021. Post-fire surveys can provide a unique and valuable opportunity to collect data. 

Each team will be led by staff who will help with identification and data collection. Handouts will be provided to help identify common species and promote hands-on learning. If the species is not covered, we will double down on community science. We aim to photograph all species and submit them to iNaturalist for expert identification before compiling results. 

In a post-fire environment, groups will be restricted from accessing burned sites without hard hats. We will provide some hard hats, but other groups may be restricted to open sites and green forest to conduct their surveys. The weather may have us avoid burned areas altogether. There is also a chance of thunderstorms this time of year. Surveys may end early due to lightning.  

Camping & Itinerary

Due to post- Dragon Bravo Wildfire resources and logistics, we will be offering a communal and free camp location located at the Lindberg Hill Administrative Area the night before and after the survey. Services are limited on the North Rim this year. There are latrines at camp, but no water is available. Please bring all the water you will need for drinking, cooking, and washing. 

Camping Information:

MEETING LOCATION - Lindberg Hill on Saturday, July 11. Orientation begins at 6:00 pm.

• Free entry into Grand Canyon: Mention you are joining the Butterfly Blitz
• Camping equipment – you need to be self-sufficient for dry camping
• Port-a-potties available at Lindberg Hill
• Water for 2 days – we recommend at least 5 gallons per person
• WATER REFILL STATIONS NOT AVAILABLE on North Rim
• Food for 2 days – campfires not permitted; bring a camp stove
• Download a map – you will not have cell service!
• Google Link ; Coordinates: 36.2963, -112.0791

Itinerary: Join us at the North Rim of Grand Canyon early in the morning to meet our dedicated Park Rangers and expert instructors, who will guide and support you throughout this once-in-a-lifetime experience. You'll be divided into small groups to carry out your assigned tasks, working closely with your team. In the late afternoon, all groups will come together to debrief and share their findings. The experience will conclude following the group debrief.

Where: Meet at Lindberg Hill on Sunday, July 12 at 8:00 AM (be prepared to carpool or volunteer to drive)

When: 8:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

What to bring: Sun protection, water, lunch and snacks, a rain jacket, and the iNaturalist app! To ensure you’re well-prepared, check the weather forecast before your adventure. Dress in layers and bring a rain jacket or poncho if needed. 

Here’s a checklist to help you get ready:

• Lunch (protein and salty snacks are recommended)
• Download the new North Rim pocket map
• Day Backpack
• Binoculars and a camera
• Water for two days - recommended 5 gallons per person
• Sun protection
• Insect repellant
• Notebook and pencil
• Butterfly net (optional - limited supplies provided)
• Hard hat (optional - limited supplies provided)
• Sturdy Hiking Boots or Hiking Shoes
• Wide-Brimmed Hat
• Jeans are not recommended
• Open mind and willingness to share and learn