Washington is known as the 'Evergreen State', and while green makes an excellent ground, it paints a boring picture all by itself.

The loss of the Oregon Silverspot Butterfly demonstrates how green is not all that matters. While, to be sure, both grass and trees are green, in this case their homogenous application overwhelmed the violets and oranges represented by this creature and its habitat.

Once commonly found along Washington's southern coast, the Silverspot was extirpated by actions of invasive species; unwittingly, humans and non-native vegetation conspired to force out the native plants it depends upon.

Fortunately, efforts are underway to restore the Silverspot to suitable coastal lands and educate land owners in reconsiliation of this native species.