North American Butterfly Association
Formed in 1992, the North American Butterfly Association (NABA), is a membership-based not-for-profit working to increase public enjoyment and conservation of butterflies. The NABA also happens to be the largest group of people in North America interested in the butterfly species. With several chapters throughout the United States, each chapter works at either the state or local level to conserve butterflies, educate the public about the importance of butterflies, and further scientific research on wild butterflies.Â
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Culture & Learning
By engaging with people on a local level, NABA is helping to change the way we view butterflies. Instead of associating butterflies with nets, NABA teaches individuals how to find butterflies, ways to identify them, how to create successful butterfly gardens and how to photograph them. Getting involved, whether it's with binoculars, taking pictures, or family gardening, can help to bring a sense of beauty and satisfaction and appreciation to one's life.
Conservation & Programs
NABA owns and operates the National Butterfly Center which is a 100-acre conservation, education and research center located in Mission, Texas. It is now the largest botanical garden in the United States focused on using native plants in a garden setting, housing over 220 species of wild butterflies. Through its Program for Butterfly Gardening and Habitats, NABA promotes the creation of safe habitats to increase the population of butterflies and awards certification for both individuals and institutions. NABA also runs a Butterfly Monitoring Program which accounts for the largest record of butterfly occurrences and abundances in the world. This data is used by scientists studying butterfly biology, populations, and trends.Â