By Ansleigh Gunter, Preserve Engagement Technician
In the heat of the summer, for a brief period of two to three weeks, a little brown butterfly, the federally endangered Mitchell’s satyr, bobs through the sedges of fens in Michigan. At first glance, they may not seem to be as glamorous as other threatened or endangered species in Michigan. They do not star in short animated films like the piping plover nor do they have an awe-inspiring Ojibwe name that roughly translates to “great river-mouth” like the Eastern massasauga rattlesnake. But these small butterflies, with their chocolate brown wings and eyespots, are just as important to invest in and protect as any other species.
A Home Found Only in Prairie Fens
Because they are so specific about their habitat, the presence of Mitchell’s satyrs in a prairie fen is a dependable sign that the ecosystem is of great quality. This is known as an indicator species. Michigan’s prairie fens–many of them found exclusively in Jackson County–are a type of wetland, fed continually with groundwater and occur in areas previously shaped by glacial activity. They are dominated by grass-like plants called sedges, and often have pockets or edges of tamarack trees and poison sumac.
One common sedge species, the tussock sedge, continues to grow on top of its own dead leaves from previous years, creating shady mounds or “tussocks.” These unique microhabitats within the fen are a nursery for these endangered butterflies; tussocks provide a protected place for adults to lay eggs and the sedges are a preferred food source for the young caterpillars.
It is this unique plant combination that allows for the Mitchell’s satyr butterflies to call prairie fens home, giving them resources to feed, mate, and lay eggs throughout their adult lives. But the already rare prairie fens are at risk, due to land use change, encroachment of woody invasive vegetation, and changing patterns of the natural fire regime.
Every Butterfly Counts
The Mitchell’s satyr butterfly is one of the rarest butterflies in the world and serves as a vital ecological indicator. Because they are sensitive to environmental changes, the systematic process of searching for, observing, counting, and recording the Mitchell’s satyr butterfly in their habitat provides essential data to prevent their extinction and protect vulnerable wetland ecosystems.
Estimating the population of Mitchell’s satyr butterflies is important for understanding response to habitat stewardship and gauging recovery. And getting an accurate population count means walking nearly the entire habitat, twice during the flight season, and counting every butterfly spotted. No small task!
Conservation Takes a Team
Mitchell’s satyr butterflies don’t recognize property boundaries–and successful conservation can’t either.
Fortunately, Michigan is home to many organizations invested in endangered species recovery efforts. Each summer, scientists, conservationists, students, and land stewards come together for the annual surveys. Led by the Michigan Natural Features Inventory, the effort brings together partners including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, The Nature Conservancy of Michigan, Michigan State University, John Ball Zoo, and Legacy Land Conservancy.
By partnering to survey populations across public, private, and protected lands, Legacy Land Conservancy helps build a more complete picture of where these rare butterflies survive and what habitats they need to recover. That information guides restoration efforts across the region, not just on Legacy properties.
Into the Fen
On a muggy summer morning, Legacy’s stewardship team, affectionately known as the Stew Crew, armored with waterproof boots and gallons of water, prepared for a day of surveying with The Nature Conservancy on a preserve in Jackson County.
Despite the heatwave that inconveniently coincided with the butterflies' flight, spirits were high: how often do you get the opportunity to see endangered species up close, in the wild? Snacks and electrolytes were shared, stories of past surveys were told, until it was late enough in the morning for the butterflies to fly. Mitchell’s satyr butterflies aren’t the strongest flyers to begin with; they struggle with dewy mornings and strong winds, often not flying until after 9am.
Many that gathered were veteran surveyors, well-acquainted with discerning the Mitchell’s satyr butterfly from its more common lookalikes. With over 20 people lending a hand, groups were split so that each had a mix of organizations and experience. And then it was to the fen!
Walking through waist-to shoulder-height grass, with muddy holes up to several feet deep hidden across the path is grueling work. Despite the difficult terrain, the commitment, care, and camaraderie were inspiring and carried the team forward. When Mitchell’s satyr butterflies were spotted, joyous shouts of “I’ve got a female!” and “Two over here!” could be heard from across the fen. It was evident from everyone’s dedication that not only did they care for the land and the butterflies, but they cared for each other, even though many had only met that morning.
Protecting Habitat, Together
Every butterfly counted this summer represents years of habitat protection, restoration, and collaboration. An achievement only possible when dedicated people come together to protect rare habitats, restore native landscapes, and share scientific knowledge.
While Legacy protects several properties containing rare prairie fen habitat, conserving species like the Mitchell’s satyr requires many organizations and many landowners working toward the same goal. As Legacy expands conservation efforts in Jackson County, every protected acre, every restored wetland, and every annual survey helps build a stronger future for one of Michigan’s endangered species. Legacy’s commitment to partnership and land protection in perpetuity means that Mitchell’s satyr butterflies will have an advocate, forever.