Wyoming
This Green Winged Beauty, the State Butterfly, is a Sign of Spring in Wyoming
Like the robin, this green winged friend is a sign of springtime in Wyoming.
Sheridan’s Green Hairstreak is one of the earliest butterflies to arrive.
Adults may be seen flying during the earliest warm days of spring, while snow is still melting nearby.
This small jade-green butterfly thrives in sagebrush, brushy hills, woodlands, open hillsides, and on canyon slopes and washes.
It was first documented in 1877 near present-day Sheridan. Both the town and the butterfly are named after Lt. General P.H. Sheridan, a famous Civil War commander.
The butterfly was actually named before the town.
Another nickname for the hairstreak is Sheridan’s Elfin.
Wyoming designated her as the official state butterfly in 2009.
On January 26 that year, the “butterfly bill” passed 30-0 on its final reading.
The idea came from third-grade students at Big Horn Elementary School in Sheridan County.
The bill was sponsored by Senator Bruce Burns and Representative Rosie Berger of Sheridan County, along with Representative Mary Throne of Cheyenne.
Professor Scott Shaw, an entomologist in the University of Wyoming’s College of Agriculture, supports the bill and testified before a legislative committee Jan. 22. “This lovely insect is distinctive, being one of the few green butterflies in our region,” he said.
“I believe the senators realize and appreciate the efforts of the kids in Big Horn as well as the educational benefits to them of watching the legislative process in action.”
He added, “I don’t know if the Big Horn kids could have done this without Scott Shaw’s support. His knowledge and enthusiasm put the butterfly bill over the top in the legislative committee.”
In terms of symbolic meaning, some consider a green butterfly flitting in front of you a sign that someone you loved or are close with who has passed away is sending a message of greeting. It can also be perceived as a reminder to trust your heart when it comes to making a decision.
SEE ALSO: Do you Know Wyoming’s State Gem?
Butterflies of Wyoming
Special thanks to the University of Wyoming for the information on butterflies, published in Barnyards and Backyards magazine in 2018.
Gallery Credit: Kolby Fedore, Townsquare Media
Wyoming is a Rockhound Wonderland
Gallery Credit: Kolby Fedore, Townsquare Media
Gaining the knowledge to become an outdoorsy type of person isn’t easy. It takes time, dedication, and the desire to sometimes get out of your comfort zone. Sure, if you grew up in the outdoors, but it’s been a while since you’ve actually been out hunting, fishing, hiking, or camping, you may be a little rusty, but you have a leg up on those who haven’t.
If you’re in Wyoming, there’s a good chance that taking advantage of the incredible outdoor activities we have available has crossed your mind, but where to start is the big question. Asking others for help is one way, but there’s sometimes an element of intimidation or embarrassment involved.
If you’re a woman looking for that help and want to avoid the intimidation, you should really check out the Wyoming Game and Fish Department’s Becoming an Outdoor Woman (BOW) workshops this summer. It’s held at the Whiskey Mountain Conservation Camp near Dubois, and everything you need to learn about the outdoors is provided, including food and lodging.
The registration deadline is March 31, meaning you have just a couple of weeks to apply for one or all of the offered workshops.
There are multiple options available depending on your level of outdoor knowledge.
Basic BOW Workshop: Introductory level camp teaching outdoor survival, basic fly fishing, backpacking, how to shoot, outdoor photography, and more. There will be two of these workshops, June 5-7 and August 7-9. $150
Fly Fishing Beyond BOW Workshop: The focus here is on fly fishing. Learn the basics and then put them to use. This workshop runs July 30 – Aug 2. $150
Backpacking Beyond BOW: This workshop is all about backpacking, hiking, cooking on the trail, adjusting to the trail, and preparing for the trip. You’ll learn how to properly pack your bag, set up camp, and then head out on an overnight trip. July 30 – Aug 2. $150
Become a BOW Instructor: Here’s where you put your years of experience to work by sharing your skills and knowledge with others, helping them learn the tricks and tips of the outdoors.
Not only will these workshops help get you started on a life in the outdoors, but you’re likely going to gain some street cred with your family when you can teach them the skills they’ll need to get out and celebrate a Wyoming lifestyle.
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