Restoring Land for the Endangered Karner Blue Butterfly in Newaygo County

The Karner Blue Butterfly (KBB), one of Michigan’s rarest species, is facing the threat of extinction. With its survival closely tied to the presence of wild lupine, a native wildflower, the butterfly requires specific habitats like dry-sand prairies and oak-barren ecosystems. Newaygo County, located in West Michigan, has taken a significant step towards conserving this beautiful species by purchasing 40 acres of land for the Brooks Oak-Pine Barrens Nature Sanctuary. This initiative is part of a KBB mitigation project aimed at restoring the butterfly’s habitat and ensuring its long-term survival.