Field trips for Collecting or Watching -- how about both at the same time!

[Dale Clark]

In 1995 I co-founded the Dallas County Lepidopterists' Society.  At that time NABA was really taking off and pushing hard for local chapters.  Completely turned off by the anti-collecting stance (and there is one, don't fool yourself) of the organization I wanted to offer an alternative to people.  The purpose of the DCLS is "to provide a forum for people to gather who share an interest in butterflies and moths, whether that interest takes the form of collecting, gardening, photography, study or casual observation."  We go on field trips throughout the spring, summer and fall and people are welcome to bring nets and collect if they want. They are just as welcome to bring their binoculars.  We have lots of people who just observe, we have people who collect.  To my knowledge, we've never had a problem.  The two groups mingle just fine and gain from the shared perspectives of other members.  We are an inclusive group, welcoming anyone with an interest, whatever it may be.  That's why we aren't a NABA chapter and never will be.

Dale Clark
Dallas County Lepidopterists' Society
Dallas, TX
www.dallasbutterflies.com


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