The Mitchell's satyr (Neonympha mitchellii mitchellii) is one of the most geographically restricted and critically endangered butterflies in North America. In Michigan, this small butterfly lives exclusively in fens where its host sedges (Carex spp.) are abundant. Not all fens, however, contain suitable habitat for Mitchell’s satyr. In this presentation, Ashely will explain the many factors that influence the distribution and abundance of the Mitchell’s satyr and the lessons learned while restoring a southwest Michigan fen.

Ashley joined MNFI in 2018 after working as a biologist in Kalamazoo, MI where she led projects on imperiled Lepidopteran species, fire effects, and climate change. A native Iowan, she received her undergraduate degree in Environmental Science and Policy at Drake University, and a Master's in Conservation Biology at the University of Alberta in 2013. In Michigan, she has worked extensively with many imperiled butterfly species, including the federally endangered Mitchell's satyr butterfly, for which she established a captive propagation program and facility. The conservation of rare habitats is what motivates Ashley's career in the natural sciences.

All indoor programs are at the People’s Church, 1758 N 10th St, Kalamazoo, 49009. Socializing begins at 6:30 pm and the programs begin at 7:00 pm. Non-members are always welcome to join us for programs and field trips. Masks are recommended but not required in the church.

Meetings

Meetings occur in November, January, February & March, on the 3rd Monday of the month at the People’s Church, 1758 10th St. N, Kalamazoo MI 49009. Socializing begins at 6:30 PM and the presentation starts at 7:00 PM.

2025 Southwestern Chapter Officers

Executive Committee: Joe Trapp, Michael Dombos, Abbie Bristol, Wayne Roussel

Secretary / Treasurer: Wayne Roussel

Useful Links

Michigan Botanical Society

The Great Lakes Botanist https://journals.publishing.umich.edu/glbot/

The Michigan Botanist (1962-2006) https://catalog.hathitrust.org/Record/000497763

Winter Wildflowers: http://www-personal.umich.edu/~ldnum/WinterWildflowers%281973%29dblpgs.pdf

University of Michigan Herbarium https://michiganflora.net/home.aspx

State of Michigan

Michigan Natural Features Inventory (MNFI) https://mnfi.anr.msu.edu/services

Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) https://www.michigan.gov/dnr

Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) https://www.michigan.gov/egle

MSU Extension Service https://www.canr.msu.edu/outreach/

 W.K. Kellogg Biological Station (KBS)  https://www.kbs.msu.edu/

 Kellogg Bird Sanctuary http://birdsanctuary.kbs.msu.edu/

Conservation

Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy (SWMLC) https://swmlc.org/

Michigan Nature Association (MNA) https://www.michigannature.org/

Chikaming Open Lands https://chikamingopenlands.org/

The Nature Conservancy https://www.nature.org/en-us/

Michigan Audubon https://www.michiganaudubon.org/

Land Conservancy of West Michigan https://naturenearby.org/

Michigan Wetlands Association https://miwetlands.org/

Michigan Prescribed Fire Council https://www.firecouncil.org/

Wild Flower Association of Michigan https://wildflowersmich.org/

Michigan Lakes and Stream Association (MLSA) https://mymlsa.org/

Kalamazoo River Watershed Council (KRWC) https://kalamazooriver.org/

Conservation Districts

Michigan Association of Conservation Districts https://www.macd.org/

Allegan Conservation District https://www.allegancd.org/

Barry Conservation District https://www.barrycd.org/

Berrien Conservation District https://www.berriencd.org/

Calhoun Conservation District https://www.calhouncd.org/

Cass Conservation District https://cassccdistrict.org/

Kalamazoo Conservation District https://www.kalamazooconservation.org/

St Joseph Conservation District https://stjoecountycd.com/

Van Buren Conservation District https://vanburencd.org/

Invasive Species & Cooperative Invasive Species Management Areas (CISMA)

Michigan Invasive Species https://www.michigan.gov/invasives/take-action/local-resources/view-cisma-locations-as-a-list

Midwest Invasive Species Information Network (MISIN) https://www.misin.msu.edu/

Barry, Calhoun & Kalmazoo CISMA contact: bckcisma@gmail.com

SW x SW Corner CISMA https://vanburencd.org/invasive-species/

Southern Michigan IST https://stjoecountycd.com/smist-cisma#:~:text=Southern%20Michigan%20Invasive%20Species%20Team,a%20multitude%20of%20regional%20partners.

West Michigan CISMA https://wmconservation.net/

Nature Centers

Kalamazoo Nature Center https://naturecenter.org/

Pierce Cedar Creek Institute https://cedarcreekinstitute.org/

Whitehouse Nature Center https://www.albion.edu/about/our-campus/whitehouse-nature-center/

Sarett Nature Center https://sarett.org/

Native Plants & Gardens

Kalamazoo Area Wild Ones (KAWO) https://kalamazoo.wildones.org/

Hidden Savanna Nursery https://www.hiddensavanna.com/

Adjacent

Michigan Entomological Society https://www.michentsoc.org/

Indiana Native Plant Society https://indiananativeplants.org/