28 June, 2025

Earlier this month, SJI Preserve Steward, Doug McCutchen, along with WDFW entomologist Julie Combs and EcoStudies Institute ecologist, Adam Martin, were in the field documenting a population of “Ookow” (Dichelostemma congestum) when treated to a Pale Swallowtail butterfly enjoying its nectar, one of five Swallowtail species that dine on the diminutive wildflower. Ookow’s range is most common from northern California through southern Oregon and this is the first population to be documented in the County – TWO delightful discoveries in one day!