Audubon’s Rowe Sanctuary

Biologically Unique Landscape: Central Platte River

Looking for Butterflies: While established by the National Audubon Society primarily to preserve crane habitat in 1974. It quickly became a resource utilized by nearby Kearney State College biology professors. In 1979 one of the longest running annual butterfly counts was begun by Dr. Harold Nagel. To date 59 butterfly species have been found there, with Regal Fritillaries sometimes numbering in the hundreds.

Special Instructions: Trails are open from dawn to dusk. Some areas are closed seasonally, particularly in spring. An annual butterfly count is held every year in late June or early July. Check with the Sanctuary office for closures or count dates.

Links for More Information: https://rowe.audubon.org/

  Other sites nearby: Fort Kearney SHP/SRA, Bassway Strip SWMA

Butterflies Present (NENHP S Rank):

• Least Skipper
• Arogos Skipper – S1
• Crossline skipper – S3
• Dun Skipper – S3
• Acadian Hairstreak
• Regal Fritillary – S3
• Silver-bordered Fritillary – S1S2
• Monarch – S2