“How Anyone Can Help Butterflies” is an introduction to citizen science and hands-on conservation for everyday nature lovers. In this talk, Vanessa will share approachable, real-world strategies that individuals, families, schools, and neighborhoods can use to support butterflies and pollinators, whether they live in apartments or own acreage. Topics will include how to identify common local species, create a simple habitat using native plants, participate in community science projects, and replace “perfect yard” expectations with wildlife-friendly beauty. Attendees will leave with practical tools, online resources, and the confidence that meaningful conservation doesn’t require credentials, just curiosity and consistency!
Vanessa Best has been actively involved in citizen science since 2019, beginning with regional butterfly and habitat surveys across Southern Oregon. She worked as an intern with the Vesper Meadow Education Program, where she conducted seasonal butterfly monitoring and continued contributing field observations over multiple summers. Her field experience also includes surveying coho salmon for the ODFW Aquatic Inventories Project and monitoring Endangered Mardon Skipper Butterflies with the Bureau of Land Management.
Vanessa has participated in numerous NABA counts across Oregon, including the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument, Siskiyou Crest, Oregon Caves, Eugene, and Metolius counts. After relocating to Springfield in 2024 she joined the Lane County Butterfly Club and has recently been accepted as a Xerces Society Ambassador. She is passionate about helping others see themselves as conservationists whether through structured survey work or simple backyard stewardship.
