Mountain Empire Butterfly Club Sponsors
Successful Spring Seminar

The Mountain Empire Butterfly Club, in conjunction with FSNCP, sponsored a wonderful Butterfly Seminar at Steele Creek Park on the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend.  The setting and the weather were perfect for the event, which attracted about 40 butterfly enthusiasts of all ages.

The afternoon began with a talk by Richard Conners, nature photographer, current President of the Tennessee Ornithological Society, and butterfly aficionado.  He presented a brief but thorough overview of the butterflies of Tennessee, complete with spectacular photographs and informative commentary.

Following Richard's talk, Don Holt, naturalist, president of the Elizabethton Ornithological Society, and regional expert on butterflies, dragonflies, and damselflies, led a butterfly walk. In addition to spotting a number of local Lepidoptera, the group was treated to lots more of Don's wealth of knowledge about the natural world around us.

Sharon Foster wrapped up the afternoon with a talk on gardening for butterflies. She presented lots of good information on how to create yards and gardens that are attractive to butterflies, and offered suggestions for additional resources on the subject. 

For those who were unable to attend the seminar, but who have an interest in butterflies or would just like to learn more about butterflies and other insects, be sure to let Larry McDaniel know.  Larry has coordinated establishment of the Mountain Empire Butterfly Club and maintains an e-mail list to keep people informed of the club's activities and upcoming events. If you would like to be added to the e-mail list just let him know.

Larry McDaniel
larrycmcd@hotmail.com