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Spend a morning with naturalist Mary Anne Borge counting butterflies at Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve. Learn identification, study native host plants, and contribute data to the North American Butterfly Association.
Spend a morning with naturalist Mary Anne Borge counting butterflies at Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve. Learn identification, study native host plants, and contribute data to the North American Butterfly Association.
Book with Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve
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Operated by Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve · New Hope, Pennsylvania
At Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve, just above the Delaware in New Hope, Pennsylvania, the annual North American Butterfly Association (NABA) Butterfly Count is a three‑hour morning of close observation and community science. Participants meet at Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve and join naturalist Mary Anne Borge to learn how to identify local species and the native plants they depend on.
The preserve’s mosaic of meadow, oak-hickory woodlands, and riparian edges creates concentrated habitat for swallowtails, fritillaries, skippers and monarchs. Key features of the counting route include sun-warmed nectar corridors, stands of native milkweed and asters, and stone-lined paths that thread through pollinator-friendly plantings. The geology here is typical of the Delaware River valley: rolling soils over shale and sandstone support a mix of grasses and woodland understory that butterflies favor.
Mary Anne Borge—naturalist, photographer and editor of Butterfly Gardener Magazine—leads the count with an instructive, patient style. She demonstrates field identification, points out host plants for caterpillars, and encourages use of binoculars or a zoom lens for photos. The group records species and abundance; proceeds from the modest $3 admission go to the North American Butterfly Association, linking recreation directly to conservation.
Expect an accessible, low-impact morning: the route is suitable for beginners and families, though some gentle walking over uneven ground is required. Come with binoculars, a shaded hat, sun protection, plenty of water and a field guide if you have one. Counts are weather-dependent—wind and rain reduce butterfly activity—so dress in layers and check for cancelations.
Why this count matters: local counts feed long-term datasets that reveal population trends and the effects of habitat change. For New Hope visitors the event is also a chance to connect with regional ecology beyond the riverfront attractions—learn the native plants that sustain pollinators and how small gardening choices ripple outward.
Practical details: meet at Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve in New Hope; the session lasts about three hours and welcomes all experience levels. Bring a camera with a zoom lens if you want sharp documentation for species verification. Younger observers often have an advantage: quick spotting and curiosity.
Whether you’re a first-time 'butterflier' or a seasoned identifier, this count blends outdoor time, learning and purposeful stewardship. It’s a quietly powerful way to spend a morning in Bucks County—watching wings, noting flowers, and contributing real data to butterfly conservation.
Admission is $3 per participant, with all proceeds donated to the North American Butterfly Association; bring exact change or register online through the provided booking link to secure a spot. There is limited parking at the preserve, so consider carpooling or arriving early. The walk is family-friendly but not stroller-friendly; wear sturdy shoes and be ready to pause to examine wing patterns and plant associations.
Admission is $3 per participant; all proceeds are donated to the North American Butterfly Association.
Meet at Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve in New Hope, Pennsylvania (meeting point listed in the booking details).
Yes—families and beginners are welcome; the walk is educational but not stroller-friendly due to uneven terrain.
Bring binoculars or a camera with a zoom lens, water, sun protection, and a field guide if you have one.
Counts are weather-dependent; strong wind and rain reduce butterfly activity and the event may be canceled—check the booking link or contact organizers.
No—Mary Anne Borge provides instruction for all levels, and participants can join for part or all of the morning.
Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve in New Hope, Pennsylvania, is a native-plant preserve offering seasonal programs and guided walks focused on wildflowers and native plant communities. The preserve presents a rotating schedule of educational experiences including a Preserve Admission option and the Knowing Native Plants series led by naturalist Mary Anne Borge. Series topics cover winter and spring identification, trees and ferns, flowering shrubs, spring ephemerals, invasive species identification, and plant classification to support seasonal learning. Programs emphasize hands-on observation, seasonal plant recognition, and practical management techniques relevant to gardens and local habitats. Participants receive interpretive guidance from experienced naturalists and benefit from sessions designed for a range of skill levels. Visitors include gardeners, educators, families, and naturalists seeking focused study of Pennsylvania native flora near New Hope. Sessions provide identification techniques, ecological context, and practical tips for managing invasive species and enhancing native-plant habitat. As a named wildflower preserve, Bowman's Hill documents seasonal highlights and posts program details to help visitors plan hikes, classes, and guided walks. For those seeking informed, naturalist-led exploration of native plants and seasonal wildflower displays, Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve offers specialized classes and thematic walks throughout the year. Program descriptions list topics such as 'Wildflowers in Winter,' 'Trees in Winter,' 'Spring Ephemerals,' and invasive species management so visitors can choose sessions that match their interests and seasonal timing. Program leaders encourage observation, respectful access, and learning about plant identification and habitat support for local wildlife. Advance registration is recommended when available. Check official program listings.
Book with Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve