Increasing habitat for rare butterflies in MI – Nov. 5, 2025

Increasing habitat for rare butterflies in Michigan

Many people are planting for pollinators in Michigan, which is wonderful for all of our bees and butterflies.  However, there are some plants (and the butterflies that depend on them) that often get overlooked. In this talk we will cover a project at MSU that is looking to expand availability of local Michigan seed sources, as well as increasing the diversity in our plantings, so not all sites are using the same mixes.  Come hear about how we are working with farmers to increase MI native seed production, as well as what plants to consider to support some of Michigan’s more rare pollinators.

Meghan Milbrath is an assistant professor in the Department of Entomology at Michigan State University, where she is the coordinator of the Michigan Pollinator Initiative.  Her appointment is split between research and extension, and she works with beekeepers, land managers, and pesticide applicators to support pollinator health in the state.  She also is a beekeeper and runs The Sand Hill Bee Farm in Jackson County.