View Poster Application

Atala Steppingstone Program

Extension Education

Kate Rotindo
URBAN COMM HORTICULTURE AGENT
University of Florida
Fr. Pierce

Abstract

Atala Steppingstone Program – Education in conservation and landscape practices

Ken Gioeli1, Sandy Koi2, and Kate Rotindo3

1University of Florida/IFAS Extension St. Lucie County, Fort Pierce, FL, USA; ktgioeli@ufl.edu

2Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA; skoi@fiu.edu

3University of Florida/IFAS Extension St. Lucie County, Fort Pierce, FL, USA; krotindo@ufl.edu

The purpose of this educational program was to increase public awareness of the conservation efforts for the rare Alata butterfly (Eumaeus atala Poey), deliver education to residents on this rare butterfly’s unique conservation needs, and how they can make “Atala-friendly” decisions in their landscape.  The original framework for the Steppingstone Program was to create and establish refugia, utilizing landscapes in residential properties.  Heathcote Botanical Gardens and Manatee Education and Observation Center are two properties located in Fort Pierce, FL approximately 2.6 miles away from each other, with known Atala populations.  Through research, it is known that Atala butterflies will fly 4 miles from an established area where a population is surviving, in search of its host plant, coontie (Zamia intergrifolia).  Participants were asked to incorporate “Atala friendly” landscaping practices.  First, locating where Atala butterflies or larvae are currently present and assessing locations for suitability when moving Atala (larvae).  Practices in the landscape would include planting coontie (Zamia intergrifolia) and limit their use of insecticides for pest control. Participants were asked to document and report locations where Atala (larvae) were being moved. A total of seven local Atala Steppingstone Refugia have been established and are currently maintained. UF/IFAS Master Gardener Volunteers and Master Naturalists are among those community members involved establishing Atala refugia within local landscapes.  Social media, blog posts, publications, press releases, public displays, and outreach presentations on the Atala Steppingstone Program continue to be sources of engagement with community members.  Through these efforts, both butterfly enthusiasts and residents interested in learning how to make their landscapes more “Atala friendly” continue to seek out information about this project. 

Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC

This poster is being submitted only for display at AM/PIC. Poster is not to be judged, but the abstract will be published in the proceedings.

Click to view Poster

Authors: Kate Rotindo
  1. Rotindo, K. URBAN COMM HORTICULTURE AGENT, UF/IFAS Extension St. Lucie County, Florida, 34945