In the Netherlands there are many local nature conservation societies which bring the beauty of the countryside and its wildlife to the attention of a broader public. One such a society in Zuidwolde has recently started a butterfly project. A number of keen naturalists, under supervision of Joop Verburg, are involved in the recording of butterfly sightings. The inventory will be completed in the year 2000 and will provide valuable data for a coming butterfly atlas. Other issues on which the butterfy project has focused are education and butterfly gardens.