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Join the Butterfly Quest at KWEC Friday morning
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A trio of black swallowtail butterflies hunt nectar on flowers in the Kansas Wetlands Education Center garden. This is just one of many species of butterflies likely to be sighted during KWEC's butterfly count on July 19.

From tiny hairstreaks to large swallowtails, all sizes of butterflies will be counted during the Cheyenne Bottoms annual butterfly quest, from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Friday at the Kansas Wetlands Education Center, 592 NE K-156, Great Bend. 

All that’s required to take part in the count is a pair of binoculars and keen eyes. KWEC will supply field guides, transportation and binoculars. Participants will search fields and gardens in and around Cheyenne Bottoms by vehicle and foot, during this official North American Butterfly Association count. Most surveying will be within short walking distances but there will be some uneven ground. This event is not suitable for children under the age of 12, sponsors said.

The NABA Count is in its 45th year and gathers information to track population trends. Organized like the Christmas Bird Count, much of the count is done from a vehicle, with maps and data sheets provided. Participants are asked to preregister by Thursday, July 18, by calling KWEC at its toll-free telephone number, 877-243-9268.