Current and ongoing climate change poses a serious threat to the preservation of native plant communities in the Pacific Northwest.  Rare plant species, already at risk of extinction due to habitat loss and degradation, fragmentation, and loss of genetic diversity may have reduced capacity to respond and adapt to a rapidly changing climate.  The Conservation Research Program at the Institute for Applied Ecology is exploring the effects of climate change on the endangered Kincaid's lupine (Lupinus oreganus), which is the primary larval host plant for the endangered Fender's blue butterfly (Icaricia icarioides fenderi).

First, we are using a common garden approach to test for differences among populations from throughout the range of Kincaid's lupine to experimental warming and drought designed to simulate conditions predicted to occur within the next 40 years.  Second, we are comparing the success of several populations in different micro-habitats in meadows in this species’ historic range.  Kincaid's lupine is commonly thought to occur more frequently in open meadows and tree lines with southern-exposure.  However, cooler microclimates (e.g. tree-lines with northern-exposure) may provide better habitat conditions given that the temperature in the Willamette Valley is estimated to have already increased an average of 2 degrees Celsius and is expected to increase another 3 to 4 degrees Celsius by 2080.

These projects are being supported by funding from a State Wildlife Grant from the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Eugene District of the Bureau of Land Management.  We have also received support from the Natural Resources Conservation Service Corvallis Plant Materials Center; Corvallis Parks, Recreation, and Natural Areas; and Eugene Parks and Open Space.

If you have any questions or are interested in volunteering to assist with these projects, please contact Andrea Thorpe at andrea@appliedeco.org or 541-753-3099 ext. 401.