Join KELT for a free evening Zoom lecture on Thursday, March 28 at 6 p.m. to learn about the beautiful and unique butterflies that make Maine their home. KELT is very excited to welcome back Dr. Ron Butler, who is one of the leading experts on Maine’s butterflies. Learn about these beautiful and important pollinators before you start seeing them fluttering around in the estuary again this spring! 

There are 119 species of butterflies that have been documented in the state. You will learn about various attributes of Maine butterflies, including their behavior, habitat, life cycle, population changes, and ways to support these beloved insects. Participants are welcomed and encouraged to ask questions during the Q&A portion of the lecture. Registration is free and required in order to receive the Zoom link for the presentation. For more information and to sign-up, visit KELT’s website at www.kennebecestuary.org/upcoming-events or call (207) 442-8400. 

Butler is an animal ecologist and professor emeritus at the University of Maine at Farmington, where he taught courses in zoology, entomology, ecology, and conservation biology for 35 years. While Ron spent the first part of his career conducting research with seabirds in Maine, Newfoundland, and Antarctica, for the past several decades his work has focused on ecologically important groups of insects.  Ron helped plan and coordinate several state-wide citizen science initiatives including the Maine Damselfly and Dragonfly Survey, the Maine Butterfly Survey, and the Maine Bumble Bee Atlas.  Ron co-authored the recently published Butterflies of Maine and the Canadian Maritime Provinces, and he is presently working on Damselflies and Dragonflies of Maine and the Canadian Maritime Provinces.

The Kennebec Estuary Land Trust is a membership supported organization dedicated to conserving and restoring the land, water, and wildlife of the Kennebec Estuary.  It maintains thirteen preserves for public enjoyment and has protected 4,100+ acres of land since founding in 1989. FMI visit www.kennebecestuary.org or call (207) 442-8400.