The Iowa Learning Farms (ILF) conservation webinar taking place July 12 at noon CDT will feature Jon Dahlem, postdoctoral research associate, Iowa Learning Farms and Iowa State University. Dahlem is an environmental sociologist whose work focuses on understanding social obstacles which may inhibit conservation efforts. He applies multiple research methodologies to explore issues such as the production of conservation knowledge, power within and between conservation groups, and the applied use of the social sciences in conservation practice.

In the webinar, “How the Social Sciences Can Help Conserve Butterflies (and More),” Dahlem will draw on a social scientific case study of the highly threatened island marble butterfly to provide a reflection of ways the social sciences might illuminate otherwise hidden, yet important, solutions to problems in butterfly conservation work. He will also note correlations between this case study and implications and ideas for addressing Iowa’s monarch butterfly challenges.

“There is a growing trend in collaboration between natural scientists and social scientists striving to better understand the many social factors that lie at the root of environmental degradation and that can also constrain conservation action,” said Dahlem. “Figuring out the best combinations of approaches and efforts, as well as exploration of the chasm between identifying a social obstacle to conservation and seeing that obstacle overcome are ongoing. However, I think that this may be where sociologists and other social scientists can meaningfully assist in efforts to conserve pollinators such as butterflies, as well as many more species.”

Participants are encouraged to ask questions of the presenters. People from all backgrounds and areas of interest are encouraged to join.

Shortly before noon CDT, click the link below or type this web address into your internet browser: https://iastate.zoom.us/j/364284172

Or, go to https://iastate.zoom.us/join and enter meeting ID: 364 284 172