Austin Butterfly Forum’s April Meeting w/ Guest Speaker Val Bugh – Open to the Public and Free to Attend!

Gardens are more than collections of plants; they are dynamic ecosystems. Since 2010, nature-loving volunteers have been conducting weekly surveys recording data on the animals found within the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. From inception to the vast number of identifications and observations accumulated, this program tells the story of the Fauna Project. Photography is an important tool in this study, so there is no dearth of colorful images to highlight the insects, spiders, birds, reptiles, etc. and their behaviors. Take a close look at the biome, glimpse some of the diverse residents in an organically cultivated native plant habitat and see why variety is the spice of life.

About the Presenter

Val specializes in the arthropods of the Austin area, with interests in taxonomy, ecology and photography. Her current activities include running the Fauna Project at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, leading insect discovery walks, teaching community entomology courses. providing insect/spider identifications, giving talks to local organizations, and studying local wildlife. Her photos have appeared in various publications, and she is the author of folding waterproof pocket guides to “The Butterflies of Central Texas,” “Unusual Insects of Texas,” “Spiders of Texas,” and more. Val is a member of the Austin Butterfly Forum, and honorary member of The Capital Area Master Naturalists.