Did you know that the Zebra Swallowtail butterfly relies on a single tree for its entire existence? In a remarkable ecological partnership, the Pawpaw is the exclusive host plant for this species. The caterpillar form depends entirely on Pawpaw leaves for nourishment, even absorbing natural toxins from the tree that protect them from predators throughout their lives.
Join us in this workshop, where expert Gabrielle Marsden will guide us through the fascinating biology of this bond, explaining why the presence of native Pawpaws is the essential key to the Zebra Swallowtail’s survival in Pennsylvania. To see Gabrielle's work in action before the event, visit her video series at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=znMYriSN3Ow&list=PLISKL21_b6P6-6LfN2gGro8xSOaz3-DRe
In this two-part event, we’ll have hands-on conservation learning by planting Pawpaw trees together at Duncansville Memorial Park. After establishing these initial host sites, we will break into smaller groups at 3:00 PM to plant additional groves at nearby locations. By expanding these native habitats, we are directly ensuring that the Zebra Swallowtail has the resources it needs to flourish in our community for generations to come.
Check out where we have planted Pawpaws or know of wild Pawpaw Groves in Blair county so far with this ever evolving map in the link below
Get involved: If you have a permitted location within a 1/2 mile of a waterway where a group of Pawpaw trees can be planted please fill out this form in the link below.