Pelican Pub & Brewery, along with Woodland Park Zoo and other conservation partners have joined forces to craft a brand new beer to support the silverspot butterfly population.
The Silverspot IPA was created by Pelican brew masters to celebrate the population augmentation of the threatened Oregon silverspot butterfly in its native grassland habitat. The silverspot was once abundant along the coasts of Washington, Oregon and California until determined threatened in 1980. The loss of habitat and early blue violets – a vital food source for the butterfly – had a detrimental impact on the silverspot population. The Oregon Silverspot Captive Rearing Program is a collaborative habitat restoration and augmentation program helping to increase the silverspot population. Program partners, including Woodland Park Zoo, raise caterpillars in captivity until they become pupae and eventually emerge from the pupae as butterflies. They are then released into protected areas along the Oregon Coast in an ongoing effort to increase the population. One of the protected areas is Cascade Head, visible from the deck of Pelican Pub & Brewery.
“In August, Woodland Park Zoo released more than a thousand silverspot butterflies back into their natural habitat along the Oregon coast,” said Erin Sullivan, a collection manager at the zoo. “It’s a very important conservation initiative to us, and we’re thrilled Pelican joined us and our partners to help raise awareness and support for the silverspot population.”
“To us, this seemed like a natural partnership,” said Ken Henson, Pelican Pub & Brewery’s general manager. “We have been waiting for an opportunity to produce an English style IPA, which will be a little more accessible to the average beer drinker. We’re excited about the cross-promotional opportunity and for the public awareness of the Oregon silverspot.”
- Photo by Ryan Hawk/Woodland Park Zoo
The new brew is available at select PCC Natural Markets, Whole Foods and QFC locations. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of this beer will help fund conservation efforts for the Oregon silverspot butterfly. Click here for more information.