>By Timothy B. Wheeler, The Baltimore Sun
7:13 p.m. EDT, July 5, 2011
BOYDS —— Don’t look now, but Maryland’s state insect is fluttering away.
The Baltimore Checkerspot butterfly, named for the state’s founding Calvert family, has dwindled to just a handful of places, mostly in Western Maryland. Experts worry that the butterfly, once fairly common, may disappear entirely from the state….
…Some of the sites it had been found on historically were on private lands, and the properties were just developed,” said Jennifer Fry, an ecologist with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ natural heritage program. “The wetland wasn’t there anymore — there were now housing developments.”
Climate change also could be playing a role in the butterfly’s westward shift in Maryland, Fry suggested. The most known populations are in relatively sparsely developed — and cooler — Garrett County.
If you or someone you know is considering buying or selling real estate in Garrett County or Deep Creek Lake, Maryland, call Jay Ferguson of Railey Realty for all of your real estate needs! I take great pride in referrals, and I assure you, I will take great care of your friends, family & colleagues! As member of the Garrett County Board of Realtors, I can assist you with ANY listed property, regardless of the listing broker.
