Across the world, the abundance and diversity of butterfly species is in decline, and scientists are just beginning to understand what it takes to protect and recover these charismatic microfauna.
During a naturalist presentation at the OSU Extension Lincoln County on Tuesday, April 16, U.S. Fish and Wildlife biologist Samantha Derrenbacher will lead a journey through the history, ecology, biology and ongoing research of a threatened Oregon coast butterfly — the Oregon silverspot.
Attendees can learn about the salt spray fields habitat the silverspot relies on, the efforts to restore them, and research happening at Nestucca Bay National Wildlife Refuge and in fields south of Yachats.
As an Oregon silverspot butterfly lead biologist, Derrenbacher spends her summer days researching the butterfly, planting native species, assessing habitat quality and working alongside partners for a net positive effect to the habitat. No day is the same in her line of work and when stuck in the office, she is often leading the range wide working group, consulting on species take and writing grants to fund critical research and recovery tasks.
The meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. at the OSU Extension Lincoln County office, 1211 S.E, Bay Blvd., Newport.
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To read previous YachatsNews stories about the Oregon silverspot butterly, go here
