Restoring Butterfly Habitat and Populations with Prisons
Habitat loss has resulted in global declines in butterfly populations. Reversing this trend requires a two-pronged approach: restoring habitats that have already been degraded and educating the public about the importance of habitats for conservation. This innovative partnership with two Oregon prisons reverses habitat loss for the threatened Oregon Silverspot Butterfly and other species by restoring habitat at multiple field sites in Oregon. Native host plants will be grown by youth and women in two prison facilities and then planted at grassland sites and used as a food source for hand-reared butterfly larvae. Success will be stable or increasing populations of rare butterflies as well as a more informed citizenry with a strong appreciation and support for habitat conservation. This project will improve crucial habitats for at-risk species and offer change and hope to imprisoned women. This project will be led by Tom Kaye.