NABA-Central Kentucky

NABA-Central Kentucky was created in 2019 in Lexington, KY by its President, Karen Michul. This chapter is the first of its kind in Kentucky serving central Kentucky (Fayette & surrounding counties).

The North American Butterfly Association (NABA) formed in 1992 is, by far, the largest group of people in North America (Canada, United States, and Mexico) interested in butterflies. We are a membership-based 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization working to increase public enjoyment and conservation of butterflies.

NABA facilitates the NABA Butterfly Monitoring Program, including the July Butterfly Counts, and has amassed the largest database of butterfly occurrences and abundances in the world. These data are increasingly used by scientists to study butterfly population trends and to answer questions about butterfly biology.

Additionally, Karen is a Kentucky Master Naturalist, a member of the Kentucky Pollinator Stakeholder Committee, and currently serves as the Secretary of the Lexington Parks & Recreation Advisory Board and volunteers for a variety of local nature sanctuaries, such as Floracliff Nature Sanctuary. Her interest in nature photography turned into a passion for the conservation and education of butterflies. Karen has given numerous lectures to community groups and partner organizations in Kentucky. When she’s not playing with butterflies, Karen works full-time at the UK Gill Heart & Vascular Institute.