This purchase includes all 5 classes. The price listed includes the discount of 1 free class. No need for a discount code at check-out.

Butterflies Part 1: Swallowtails, Oranges, and Sulphurs (6/20)

Butterflies are without a doubt the most popular of the world’s insects. This class begins our survey of North America’s fantastic butterflies with a brief introduction to these colorful creatures, followed by family portraits of the 2 families – the swallowtail and orange and sulphur families. These are often large butterflies that sure to draw one’s attention! We will focus on species in Arizona, but will look at butterflies from across the continent.

The Magical, Mysterious World of Moths: Celebrating National Moth Week (7/25)

As part of the 14th annual National Moth Week, we explore the fantastic world of moths. There are at least 10 times more species of moths than butterflies.  Some are brightly colored, others are more ‘mothy.’  Most are nocturnal but some fly during the day and can be seen on flowers. We will also talk about mothing, an activity that promises a lifetime of discovery! Join for a look at these wondrously diverse, beautiful, important animals.

Butterflies Part 2: Hairstreaks, Blues, and Metalmarks (8/22)

We continue our series on butterflies with an exploration of two families of small butterflies that can be frenetic in flight. Most of them are small in size but the group includes some spectacular insects in terms of their colors and patterns. They also have interesting habits as caterpillars, including being tended by ants.  

Butterflies Part 3: The Brushfoots (9/5)

We continue our exploration of North American butterflies with a look at the brushfoots. This name may not be familiar, but the butterflies are. This family includes Monarchs, Queens, Ladies, Crescents, and many other butterflies that flit about your garden. Why does the family have a peculiar name? Come to class and find the answer!

Butterflies Part 4: The Skippers (9/26)

The final part of our series on butterflies explores skippers, the most speciose butterfly family in Arizona. While exciting to some, skippers are dreaded by others because there are so many species and many of them look similar to one another. We will untangle the Gordian knot of skippers in this class and prove that they are fascinating.

Instructor - Jeff Babson

Jeff Babson is an all-around naturalist, with particular interest in birds, butterflies, moths, beetles and dragonflies.

Owner of Sky Island Tours, an environmental education and eco-tour company, Jeff has led birding tours for the Tucson Botanical Gardens, Pima County Department of Natural Resources, Parks and Recreation, Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, and several birding festivals in southern Arizona (Wings over Willcox, Southwest Wings, Tucson Birding and Nature Festival). He lives in Vail with his wife and two children.

Refund & Cancellation Policy

No refund will be issued less than 15 days prior to any Community Class. A $10 cancellation fee will be applied to all refunds. No refunds will be issued for special events. We reserve the right to cancel Community Classes due to insufficient registration, garden closure, or inclement weather, in which case, participants will receive a full refund. People with disabilities should make requests for accommodation as early as possible to allow time to make appropriate arrangements.