The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation (Xerces Society) is a non-profit environmental organization that focuses on the conservation of invertebrates considered to be essential to biological diversity and ecosystem health. It is named in honor of an extinct California butterfly, the Xerces blue (Glaucopsyche xerces).
The Society collaborates with federal and state agencies including the US Department of Agriculture, as well as scientists, land managers, educators, and citizens to promote invertebrate conservation, applied research, advocacy, public outreach and education. Examples of Xerces Society activities include advocating for invertebrates and their habitats, petitioning for the designation of endangered status for applicable species such as the monarch butterfly, and public education projects. Ongoing projects include the rehabilitation of habitat for endangered species, public education about the importance of native pollinators, and the restoration and protection of watersheds.
The organization was founded by butterfly scientist Robert Michael Pyle from Yale School of Forestry & Environmental Studies and was reincorporated with the Oregon Secretary of State on April 14, 1988.
Initiatives
Bee City USA Bee City USA was founded in Asheville, North Carolina, in June 2012 by Phyllis Stiles. She and a steering committee of beekeepers concerned about pollinator declines designed the program to engage communities in taking action to provide habitat on public and private land. In 2018, Bee City USA merged with the Xerces Society to encourage cities to welcome native pollinators by planting more native plants, providing more pollinator habitats, and limiting unnecessary pesticide spraying.Multiple sources:
These measures benefit pollinating species such as native bees, moths, beetles, flies, and butterflies. These initiatives often focus on converting monoculture turfgrass into "pollinator lawns" or meadow-like habitats. Research indicates that such transitions are critical for urban nutrient budgeting and biodiversity, as reduced mowing frequencies and the integration of flowering forbs can significantly increase the abundance and richness of bee species compared to conventionally managed lawns.
Bee Campus USA The Bee Campus USA program, is a sister program of Bee City USA, launched in 2015 to include pollinator gardens in communities and campuses to provide habitats for local pollinators.
The following colleges and universities participate in the Bee Campus USA program. +CollegeDateReferenceCal Poly Humboldt2024Utah State University2023University of Montana2024University of New Hampshire2024Indiana University Kokomo2024West Virginia University2024UC San Diego2024Catawba College2024
Litigation In August 2024, the Xerces Society and Center for Biological Diversity won a lawsuit against the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) over its widespread use of pesticides to address grasshopper and cricket infestations over millions of acres across 17 western states.
Publications Publications Library
See also Buglife Bumblebee Conservation Trust Butterfly Conservation Decline in insect populations Insect Week Pollinator Partnership
References