LECTURER: Idie Ulsh

PROGRAM: “Ways of Beauty: the Fascinating World of Butterflies"

Idie Ulsh, will present stunning photographs of Washington's butterflies while she informs of us about basic butterfly biology, shares identification tips and suggests where we can see these beautiful creatures.

Ulsh, founder and president of the Washington Butterfly Association, will share her knowledge and photographs of butterflies in her program, “Ways of Beauty: the Fascinating World of Butterflies,” on March 14 at 7 p.m. at The Mountaineers.

Ulsh wears many hats: she is an advisor to public radio program BirdNote, a nature photographer, a master birder, a teacher and a lecturer. She co-edited The Butterflies of Cascadia: A Field Guide to All the Species of Washington, Oregon, and Surrounding Territories, is a Master Birder, and is a past president of Seattle Audubon. Her presentation will range from the life history of butterflies and the differences between butterflies and moths, to butterfly photography and what plants attract butterflies. “Basically I will share my enthusiasm for the little creatures,” she says.

Ulsh started butterflying about 25 years ago. What keeps her going? “It’s my passion,” she says. She can tell you all about the biology of butterflies, their life cycle and how they taste with their feet. But perhaps what excites her most is the simple pleasure of watching something so delicate-looking navigating our hard world. “I’m in awe of how tenacious these little creatures are.”

Public Welcome! $5.00 donation requested at the door (Study Group member attend free).