Flutterly fascinating

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, US 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.

Learn about the prairie habitat the silverspot relies on, the efforts to restore it, and exciting new research happening at Nestucca Bay National Wildlife Refuge.

As an Oregon silverspot butterfly lead biologist, Derrenbacher spends warm 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.

When not working, she can be found hiking, biking, skiing and paddling with her husband, Perry, and pup, Tumalo.

The meeting begins at 6:30 pm at the OSU Extension Lincoln County office, located at 1211 SE Bay Blvd. in Newport.