Nature: The stories butterflies can tell us

The Stories Butterfl ies

Can Tell Us

By Lisa Nevala Panich Director, Marketing & Communications

Butterfl ies are excellent indicator species, which means that they are more sensitive to changes in their habitats than many other plants and animals. When we see changes in butterfl y populations, it is a good sign that we’re also seeing changes to local ecosystems, whether from land use changes, climate change, or a variety of other causes. By paying attention to these fragile species, we can get a “fi rst alert” on places where we should be making conservation and habitat protection a priority while we still have a chance to make a difference. Making a difference is not just important to the animals, but humans as well. Pollinator species such as butterfl ies, bees, and birds are critical to producing many of the foods we consume daily. Fully one third of our food supply requires pollination. The Michigan Butterfl y Network (MIBN) is a statewide citizen science program that monitors Michigan’s butterfl y populations and habitats. The Kalamazoo Nature Center (KNC) has led this important program since 2012, connecting people and organizations to so that we can better understand our state’s butterfl y conservation opportunities.

Butterfl ies are a wonderful way to connect people of all ages with nature. Here are two opportunities in August to participate in a guided butterfl y fi eld trip on KNC properties.

Saturday, August 14th 1:30-3:30pm

Join Michigan Butterfl y Network staff on a guided butterfl y hike through KNC’s Habitat Haven wetland! Cool beverages will be provided to sip on while hiking the trail.

Thursday, August 26th 1:30-3:30pm

Michigan Butterfl y Network staff will guide you on a butterfl y hike through KNC’s Willard Rose Tallgrass Prairie! This 144-acre restored prairie supports a wide variety of endangered plants, animals, and native pollinators.

Learn more and register at https://michiganbutterfl y.org/

Photo by Rachel Koetje