​Call to Action!
The Oregon silverspot butterfly can only be found in 5 locations. Their populations are rapidly declining, mostly due to loss of habitat. Two small populations occur just south of Yachats, Oregon, within a seven-mile-long corridor along either side of Highway 101 – Bray Point/Agate Meadows and Rock Creek/Big Creek. The recovery goal is to increase the availability of the butterfly’s habitat and boost the two small butterfly populations, ultimately reconnecting and stabilizing these populations.

What does the butterfly need?
The Oregon silverspot butterfly needs early blue violets (Viola Adunca) to eat ​during it’s time as a caterpillar.  As an adult butterfly, it needs ​native wildflowers on which to nectar, such as aster, goldenrod, and pearly everlasting.  These plants and their associated meadow habitat were once​ abundant along the coast but have declined significantly mostly ​due to loss of meadow and competition from nonnative plants.  In addition to these plants, the butterfly also​ needs shelter provided by trees and brush along habitat ​edges for protection from the wind.

How can a landowner help?
Even a small area the size of a vegetable or flower garden plot can make a significant contribution, especially when neighboring properties also restore habitat. Buy participating in a Safe Harbor Agreement, landowners can join the habitat network and are able to provide the butterfly with what it needs to survive – even with just a tiny garden plot. 


Contact us at [email protected] if you are interested in joining the effort to restore and reconnect habitat for the Oregon Silverspot Butterfly.

Picture: Viola Adunca, Patrick Alexander, Public Domain
​
How does LSWCD and USFWS help?
Lincoln Soil and Water Conservation District and the US Fish and Wildlife Service are here to provide all the support landowners need for restoring the butterfly’s habitat. We help with:

• Identifying key species – the butterfly, early blue violets and nectar species
• Developing restoration plans with the landowner
• Participating in restoration, such as mapping violets and nectar resources, planting natives and weeding invasive plants
• Providing permits, organizing outreach and making information accessible