Suitable for adults.

Locally and nationally, scientists are beginning to discover the many ways that climate change is complicating the successful recovery of the Karner blue butterfly.  The Karner blue was listed as an endangered species by the state of New York in 1977 and by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in 1992. Since it’s formation, the Albany Pine Bush Preserve Commission has worked with state and federal recovery teams to identify and implement actions need to recover the species locally and throughout 13 federal recovery units across seven states, from New Hampshire to Minnesota. While implementing these actions has resulted in exceeding the recovery goals set for the Albany Pine Bush Karner blue population, and improvements in New Hampshire, Wisconsin and Michigan, other populations have not fared as well. For example, despite considerable efforts to recover the species at the Indiana Dunes National Park, it appears climate change played a critical role in in the 2023 extinction of this southern-most Karner blue population. In this presentation we will explore Karner blue ecology and management and how climate is likely to influence Karner blue population dynamics and geography. We will also discuss emerging strategies for preventing the global extinction of the little blue butterfly named for a site in what we now know as the Albany Pine Bush Preserve.

We will gather in-person at 6:30pm for refeshments.
The lecture (both in-person & Zoom) begins at 7:00pm.
 

This lecture is being offered in a hybrid format.

In person: Make a reservation at the bottom of this page.

Virtual: CLICK HERE IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO JOIN THE ZOOM WEBINAR.

SUGGESTED DONATION $5

This program is part of our 2024 Lupine Fest passport program, where you can earn prizes by participating in events all month long! To get your passport visit www.AlbanyLupineFest.org or download the Goosechase app and search for “Albany Lupine Fest”.