Saratoga Spa State Park is actively contributing to the conservation of the endangered Karner blue butterfly through dedicated habitat restoration efforts. The park encompasses 18.5 acres designated for this purpose, with approximately 5 acres recently revitalized to support the butterfly's needs. Restoration activities have included the removal of encroaching vegetation and the topsoil to eliminate invasive plant seeds, thereby exposing the sandy soils essential for the growth of wild blue lupine—the sole food source for Karner blue caterpillars. Subsequent planting of wild blue lupine and native nectar species has further enhanced the habitat. Park staff also engage in monitoring the butterfly populations and offer educational programs to raise public awareness about this endangered species.
Along these trails you will find large fields of wild blue lupine. And if you are lucky you may even get a glimpse at the Karner Blue Butterfly!
This cache is part of the 2025 New York State Saratoga/Capital District Regional Geocache Challenge! The stamp inside this cache is part of the game, and it is not a trade item – please do not take the stamp. There are geocaches hidden within 19 state parks and historic sites in this park region, and geocachers finding 45 or more will be eligible to receive a 2025 NYS Parks trackable geocoin. If you are interested in taking the challenge, you can pick up a geocache passport at any of the participating parks and sites or download at https://parks.ny.gov (search for 2025 NYS Parks Saratoga – Capital Region Passport).