Roaring Fork Valley butterflies offer lens into local landscape

Aspen Center for Environmental Studies’ field workshop on butterflies at its wilderness retreat center TOKLAT was more than a deep dive into a local pollinator — it was a study of why living in the Roaring Fork Valley is so special.

The U.S. is currently facing a “pollinator crisis,” as entomologist Dr. Boyce Drummond, who’s been teaching for ACES since 2003, calls it. The “tremendous” amount of insect deaths, according to Drummond, are due to a number of factors that include native habitat destruction, pesticide use, and climate change.

But, Aspen’s uniquely diverse landscape and elevation might offer a stronghold to the estimated 140 different butterfly species who occupy the area from downvalley to Twin Lakes.

“You could argue that it could be a refuge for butterfly species,” he said. “(Population decline) doesn’t seem to be as great here because there’s so much natural habitat. There are a lot of places for butterflies to develop and live. … As long as the changes to the environment are minimal.”

During the workshop, he noted that many community members seemed surprised with the amount of local butterfly diversity, and blown away by the amount of research and knowledge related to the animal.

“Butterflies have a reputation of being a frivolous pursuit, known for their beauty,” he said. “But a great deal of genetic and evolutionary research has been done on butterflies.”

Phebe Meyers, community programs director for ACES, agreed.

“​​Butterflies aren’t just these beautiful flying insects,” Meyers said. “They undergo this incredible metamorphosis that very few other living things go through. They also migrate from far away places, and they’re so small but so important in their contribution to our ecosystems. I think that their relationship with plants is also a really special relationship — I would hope (people here) get to learn a little more about that.”

She emphasized that the butterfly class, like all of ACES’ programming, aims to deepen people’s connection with this place through heightened awareness and appreciation of the ecology.

“Most people have seen a butterfly before, but this experience can really connect people with butterflies, make people more aware of the things that are around them, foster a deeper appreciation,” she said. 

Drummond echoed this sentiment post-workshop.

“When people not only learn about what’s around but learn how those things contribute … it makes them appreciate (butterflies) that much more,” he said. “Educational endeavors like what ACES does are critically important.”

Critically important because, despite the Roaring Fork Valley’s potential refuge for butterfly populations, he did note that the number of butterflies he’s seen last year and this year is “greatly reduced” compared to 10 years ago. He wants the awareness and appreciation of the species to move people to action for local ecology.

As wildflower season gets into full swing, Meyers encourages everyone to get out and notice the winged creatures that pass by more, and how that’s innately tied to the Aspen valley experience.

“We’re having this amazing wildflower season right now, and butterflies are such important pollinators,” she said. “It’s a really wonderful, interactive, and engaging way to connect people with nature.”