Your dues will support:

Research:
There are many areas that research is needed. Some areas, but not limited to are: disease, better ways to raise and ship, conservation, and much more. AFB will use funds to aide in research in these areas and more.

Conservation:
Many people are unaware how loss of habitat, urban development, excess usage of pesticides, etc. has helped in the decline of the butterfly. In some cases, it has even caused some species to become nearly extinct. AFB will use funds to help build awareness and also aide in the conservation projects.

Farming:
AFB will use funds to help in all areas of farming – better raising habits, promotion of the industry, education, etc.

Education:
AFB is dedicated to educating as many people as possible on how to raise and ship healthy butterflies, how to have a successful butterfly release, and how to help butterflies through conservation.

The Association for Butterflies is ‘for butterflies’ through several areas; Research, Conservation, Farming, and Gardening.

The Association for Butterflies mandates through the bylaws that all *funds not used for necessary function of the non-profit association MUST be divided between the areas of conservation, research, and farming.

Conservation: The AFB supported the Baltimore Research Project in Virginia in 2006 and 2007. At the current time, funds are reserved for use in the Girl Scout Conservation Project; addition of a Butterfly Conservation Badge for Girl Scouts for learning about and planting a butterfly habitat.

Research: The AFB directed funds to Mississippi State University for their Lepidoptera research and to research concerning the safest (yet inexpensive) shipping boxes, ice packs, and methods for transportation of butterflies for conservatories, exhibits, research facilities, and individuals.

Farming: The AFB directed funds to two insect pathologists who edited and monitored the Basic Lepidoptera Disease Course which is offered by the AFB twice annually.

* These are funds beyond the necessary administration costs of the association and not including donations designated for a specific purpose. The AFB does not pay any member or director a wage, salary, or other type income. All funds go to the non-profit Associaion for Butterflies, not to members of the AFB. Members of the AFB who teach courses are not paid or recompensed for doing so.