Colorado Butterfly Monitoring Network

Colorado Butterfly Monitoring Network (CBMN) is a community science project led by Butterfly Pavilion that harnesses the power of volunteers to conserve Colorado butterflies.

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!

Fill out Interest Form!

Interested in participating? Here’s How!

  • Submit a Monitor Sign-Up Form and attend a training session before the start of the monitoring season (~2 hours).
  • Receive a site assignment from CBMN or establish a new monitoring route near you (pending approval)
  • Visit your site 6 to 8 times between May to September, conducting a 1-2 hour survey on each field day (6 hours minimum)
  • Submit your field data online on PollardBase after concluding your monitoring sessions
Trainings will be recorded and available to listen to on your own time beginning May 1st. Use the sign-up form to indicate you’d like to receive this self-paced training.

Organization Involvement!

Is your organization interested in having staff/volunteers participate?

Contact Us!

Data and Resources

To view data & volunteer resources click the button below!

CBMN Resources