Why Karner Blue Butterflies? My Project is addressing the protection of endangered species. The Karner Blue Butterfly is a small blue butterfly that has been federally endangered since 1992. It is completely dependent on wild blue lupine for its life cycle. Its main reason for being endangered is habitat loss from human development and fire suppression. It likes in the pine barren and oak savannah ecosystems. When wildfires are suppressed, the woody vegetation encroaches on the herbaceous vegetation including the lupine. My target audiences are conservationists and citizen scientists to both actively protect the Karner Blue and spread information about them.
I believe biodiversity is very important for ensuring a bright future for our planet. It makes sure all niches in an ecosystem are filled and even helps slow the spread of disease. Conservationists must try to protect all kinds of organisms to keep our environment in balance, especially ones that are endangered from human development. Sustainability of developments starts at stabilizing nature and I want to make sure that happens.
Goal: To establish a pollinator garden at the Voorheis-Beardsley Preserve for all pollinators, especially the Karner Blue Butterfly. This garden will be primarily Wild Blue Lupine but also other flowering plants. Team: North Oakland Headwaters Conservancy Bogie Lake Greenhouse Mentor: Sue Julian