INSECT CONSERVATION
The Wonderful World of Insects
Insects are the foundation of healthy ecosystems, yet populations are declining worldwide. Pollinators such as native bees, butterflies, and moths are essential for the reproduction of wildflowers and many of the crops we rely on for food. Other insects, including carrion beetles, play important roles in nutrient recycling, decomposition, soil health, and supporting food webs that sustain countless wildlife species. Northern Michigan is home to an incredible diversity of insects, but habitat loss, pesticide use, invasive species, climate change, and the decline of native plants threaten many of these populations. Species such as the monarch butterfly and federally endangered rusty patched bumble bee have experienced significant declines. Through population surveys, habitat assessments, and conservation partnerships, Sleeping Bear Wildlife Fund works to better understand, protect, and restore insect populations and the habitats they depend on. By conserving insects, we help safeguard the health of our region's forests, wetlands, wildlife, and communities.
Our Flagship Projects
Monarch Butterfly Research
Monarch butterflies are iconic Michigan migrants that depend on milkweed for their caterpillars and native flowers for nectar. They face growing threats from habitat loss, pesticides, climate change, and diseases such as OE, a parasite that can weaken butterflies and reduce survival. Sleeping Bear Wildlife Fund supports monarch conservation by tagging butterflies to track migration patterns and monitoring for disease, helping researchers better understand and protect this remarkable species.
Carrion Beetle Research
Carrion beetles are nature's recyclers, breaking down dead animals and returning nutrients to the soil while supporting healthy ecosystems. Several species in Michigan are rare or declining, including the federally endangered American burying beetle, which is believed to be extirpated from the state. Sleeping Bear Wildlife Fund is conducting carrion beetle surveys and habitat assessments across Northern Michigan to better understand their populations, identify important habitats, and provide the scientific data needed to guide future conservation and restoration efforts.
Bumble Bee Research
Bumble bees are important native pollinators in Michigan, supporting healthy ecosystems and agriculture. However, habitat loss, pesticides, climate change, and disease have caused significant declines in several species. Sleeping Bear Wildlife Fund conducts surveys across Northern Michigan to document populations, identify important habitats, and guide conservation efforts to protect and restore at-risk species.
Biodiversity Surveys
Biodiversity surveys help Sleeping Bear Wildlife Fund understand and monitor wildlife populations across Northern Michigan. Using non-lethal methods such as live trapping, visual surveys, acoustic monitoring, trail cameras, and light traps, we document species, identify rare or at-risk wildlife, and assess important habitats. This research helps track changes over time and guides conservation, habitat restoration, and species protection efforts.
Ways to Help Insects
Reduce Pesticide Use
Many insecticides—including those intended for garden pests—can harm beneficial insects. Reducing or eliminating pesticide use, especially broad-spectrum insecticides and unnecessary lawn treatments, helps protect pollinators and other important insects.
Plant Native Plants
Native plants and native birds have evolved together for thousands of years, forming deep ecological relationships that support healthy ecosystems. Birds rely on native plants not only for berries, seeds, and nuts, but also for the insects and other wildlife these plants support. By choosing native species in your landscaping projects and reducing the use of ornamental, non-native plants, you can create habitat that provides food, shelter, and nesting opportunities for local wildlife. Even small changes in a backyard or garden can help support birds, pollinators, and an entire network of native species.
Insect Activities
