More Than Just a Pretty Face: The Rearing of Native Butterflies and Why They Matter

Description: This presentation explores the care and rearing of butterflies, from egg to adult, highlighting best practices that support healthy development at each life stage. It also examines the challenges butterflies face in the wild and how thoughtful human stewardship can make a meaningful difference. In this presentation, we'll learn why butterflies are important as pollinators, indicators of environmental health, and powerful ambassadors for conservation.

Bio: Heather Tuttle has been working with wildlife for over 20 years, a journey that began when she was a teenager who “rescued” (read: kidnapped) a nest of perfectly fine baby bunnies. Heather has dedicated her career to the care, rehabilitation, and advocacy of wild animals. Her love of wildlife became a gateway into an ever-growing obsession with insects, the unsung heroes holding ecosystems together. She is especially passionate about using education to change how people think about the small, misunderstood, and often overlooked creatures…