Foundation Trail
This summer the Wisconsin-DNR’s Karner Blue Butterfly Restoration Project is organizing a network of volunteers of diverse ages, interests, and skills who are actively working to save this beautiful, nickel-sized butterfly. In return, they are given the opportunity to gain new skills and knowledge while teaming up with people who value life on earth. They also enjoy the recognition and appreciation that comes after giving time and efforts to benefit one's community and the world.
The first way a person can help is to take a few minutes to learn more about the butterfly. Karner blue larvae feed exclusively on wild lupine (lupinus perennis). Wild lupine grows best in sandy, disturbed soils, dies out when shrubs and grasses move in, and goes dormant under heavy tree canopies. Without wild lupine, the larvae cannot survive. More information can be found about the Karner habitat at: http://dnr.wi.gov/forestry/karner/habitat.htm.
Conservationist Aldo Leopold once reminded us that “The last word in ignorance is the man who says of an animal or plant: “What good is it?” Every living creature in the natural world has an important role in ecosystem health and global biodiversity. The loss of a single species can set off a cascade of events which ultimately results in the loss of a functioning ecosystem. The federally endangered Karner blue butterfly represents an ecosystem rapidly fading from the landscape because of human activities and habitat loss.
DNR volunteers believe small things--a tiny butterfly, a little of their time--matter. They are involved in data entry, writing blogs, articles, and emails promoting the network, and performing surveys and habitat assessments. The work of volunteers is critical for making decisions about how to best manage the land and restore butterfly populations.
Currently, the greatest need is for people to do field work in Jackson County, near Black River Falls, and in Juneau County, near Mather and Babcock. Those experienced in fieldwork and familiar with GPS are especially needed. But the DNR also will train capable volunteers who want to participate in the science of endangered species management. This is an excellent opportunity for college students to earn internship credits in Biology or Geography, or for anyone wanting to become acquainted with the rare habitat of the butterfly.
Volunteers contribute anwhere from a few hours per year to a week in the field. How much time a person gives is their choice. It would be especially helpful to the network if people who like to spend time outdoors birdwatching, butteflywatching, hunting or hiking would discover how they can help with Kbb restoration while doing what they already do.
In the future, there will be other opportunities to get involved, including collecting wild lupine seeds, and seeds from other nectaring plants which feed the adult butterfly. Leaders and teachers are needed to help organize and train new volunteers, and the network values any ideas or skills you can bring. Help build a thriving organization made of people who care for planet earth by personally taking action at home.
Contact the Karner Blue Butterfly Network of Wisconsin at: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
More information about the Karner blue butterfly can be found at: http://dnr.wi.gov/forestry/karner/