Adopt a Caterpillar and Help Save an Endangered Butterfly

[Editor's Note: The following was submitted by Kathy Korbholz of Friends of Edgewood.]

It's rare that you get a chance to help prevent the extinction of a species. But that is exactly what you can do on Thursday, Feb. 21 or Sunday, Feb. 24 at Edgewood County Park and Natural Preserve in Redwood City.  

The animal that is facing local extinction at Edgewood is the federally threatened Bay checkerspot butterfly.

Once numbering in the tens of thousands, its population began declining in the late '90's and finally crashed to zero in 2003. Now, thanks to the efforts of local scientists and environmentalists, this species is staging a comeback.  Bay checkerspot butterfly caterpillars are being translocated from Coyote Ridge south of San Jose, where the population is thriving.

When they arrive at Edgewood, you'll have the opportunity to adopt a caterpillar, name it, and place it in the restored habitat. If all goes according to plan, the caterpillars will mature into butterflies within a few short weeks.

To commemorate the event, participants will receive a Certificate of Adoption like the one shown. 

This event is being offered by the Friends of Edgewood as part of their Year of Edgewood series celebrating their 20th anniversary. Space is limited and reservations are required. The event starts promptly at 3 pm and you will be given directions when you register. While the event is free, donations are suggested to support the Friends butterfly restoration program. To register, visit www.friendsofedgewood.org.