Established in 2013, the Colorado Butterfly Monitoring Network (CBMN) is a long-term community science project led by Butterfly Pavilion that harnesses the power of volunteers to conserve Colorado butterflies.

Butterflies are not only beautiful, but they also play a vital role in the ecosystem, serving as both pollinators and as food for other animals. Knowing which butterflies are active in our state gives us important information about the health of our local ecosystems.

CBMN volunteers observe and record butterflies in open spaces and parks multiple times per season, gathering essential data that land managers can use when making conservation decisions. It’s a fantastic chance to get outdoors and learn about butterflies, while having a positive impact on conservation in Colorado.

No experience is necessary to participate and all are welcome!

Monitor Sign-Up Form

Interested in participating? Here’s How!

1. Submit a Monitor Sign-Up Form and attend a training session before the start of the monitoring season (~2 hours).

2. Receive a site assignment from CBMN or establish a new monitoring route near you (pending approval)

3. Visit your site 3+ times between May to September, conducting a survey on each field day

4. Submit your field data online on PollardBase after concluding your monitoring sessions

Training Locations

• Sunday, April 26th ( 9am – 4pm): Eldorado Canyon State Park
  • CBMN and MLMP training
• Sunday, May 3rd (9am – 4pm): Chatfield State Park
  • CBMN and MLMP training
• Saturday, May 9th (9am – 4pm): Cheyenne Mountain State Park
  • CBMN and MLMP training
• Saturday, May 30th (9am – 4pm): Jackson Lake State Park
  • CBMN and MLMP training
• Tuesday, June 9th (10am – 12pm): Ridgeway State Park
  • CBMN training only

(MLMP= Monarch Larvae Monitoring Program, CBMN = Colorado Butterfly Monitoring Network)

Data and Resources

To view data & volunteer resources click the button below!

CBMN Resources

If you need to reach us or have questions, please reach out to cbmn@butterflies.org