Learn & Explore

Extinction to Stewards: Learning from Xerces Blue

How can bringing back one butterfly make a difference to local ecosystems and other habitats across the state?

Academy scientists, in collaboration with the Presidio Trust and other stakeholders, are trying to bring back a local butterfly driven to extinction in the 1930s. The butterfly's role in San Francisco's dune habitat is vital to keeping that ecosystem healthy and resilient. The lessons we learn from this project in our backyard could provide information for regenerating other ecosystems across California and beyond.