International Beer Day is a global celebration of beer, taking place in pubs, breweries, and backyards all over the world. One University of Florida scientist uses beer in a special way to help educate audiences about imperiled species, including some at risk of extinction.
In 2016, butterfly researcher Jaret Daniels launched his effort to raise money for the species through sales of beers crafted by Gainesville’s First Magnitude Brewing Company, owned by UF alumni John and Christine Denny.
Since then, the effort has launched 14 new beers, sold merchandise and held community events and photo exhibits to support Florida’s at-risk butterfly species.
Jaret Daniels
Three of the beers launched were made with yeast collected from organisms collected by swabbing butterflies. All beers have been available on tap and some have also been canned or bottled. Every can or bottle includes a fact about the butterfly organism and an explanation of their importance on the label.
Photo credit: Jeff Gage
“We want everyone to learn something and help the butterflies,” Daniels said. “It’s really a community-wide effort for conservation and provides engagement to the natural world. Outreach has been so important, and we’re reaching all types of audiences within the community.”
More than 1,000 people visited the Florida Museum and First Magnitude Brewing’s Pollinator Palooza festival in June, where attendees took home a free flowering plant for their garden that will attract pollinators like bees, butterflies and moths. These nectar and host plants help provide food and other resources for these important insects.
Photo credit: Florida Museum
“I know the work we’re doing is making a difference for the imperiled butterfly recovery efforts in Florida,” Daniels said.
The beers for conservation and their respective launch dates include:
