Pollinator Conservation
Pollinators are essential to our environment. The ecological service they provide is necessary for the reproduction of nearly 70 percent of the world’s flowering plants, including more than two-thirds of the world’s crop species. The United States alone grows more than one hundred crops that either need or benefit from pollinators, and the economic value of these native pollinators is estimated at $3 billion per year in the U.S. Beyond agriculture, pollinators are keystone species in most terrestrial ecosystems. Fruits and seeds derived from insect pollination are a major part of the diet of approximately 25 percent of all birds, and of mammals ranging from red-backed voles to grizzly bears. In many places, the essential service of pollination is at risk from habitat loss, pesticide use, and introduced diseases.
Program Features
Are Neonicotinoids Killing Bees?
Widely used on farms and in gardens, neonicotinoid insecticides get inside plants, including the pollen and nectar. Studies show that this harms bees. Are Neonicotinoids Killing Bees? explains the research, and makes recommendations for protecting bees.
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Pollinator Conservation Resource Center
A wealth of information is currently available on the plants and guidance needed to implement pollinator conservation projects. This comprehensive resource center will help you find information that is appropriate for your area.
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Pollinator Conservation Seed Store
Purchase locally native wildflower seed at wholesale pricing for habitat restoration and enhancement projects.
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2011 Pollinator Conservation Planning Short Courses
Full day trainings will be held in select states across the country and will provide land managers and conservationists with the latest science-based approaches to reversing the trend of pollinator declines.
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Agriculture
Native bees are valuable crop pollinators. These wild bees help increase crop yields, and may serve as important insurance when honey bees are hard to come by.
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Organic Farming Resources
Learn how to manage the use of organic-approved pesticides and farming practices to provide the greatest protection to wild bees.
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Managing Habitat for Native Pollinators
Learn how to manage natural areas and other landscapes in a way that benefits native bees, butterflies and other pollinators.
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Roadsides
Guidelines provide an overview of the conservation potential of roadsides and offer practical information on how to maximize the value of these areas for pollinators while meeting basic traffic safety requirements.
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Gardens
Around your home, growing patches of native flowers that provide abundant nectar and pollen can improve the environment for pollinators.
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Parks and Golf Courses
Parks, golf courses and other greenspaces are increasingly important to the vitality of our communities. At the core of a healthy environment are pollinators.
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Bumble Bee Conservation
Many formerly common North American bumble bees are now in decline. We are reaching out to scientists and citizen monitors across the country to document their status.
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Red List of Bees
An online list of species profiles for approximately 100 bees, butterflies and moths that are at-risk of extinction.
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Native Bee Biology
Information on the biology and natural history of native bees, including solitary bees, bumble bees and cuckoo bees.
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Monarch Campaign
The Xerces Society works to protect the sites where monarchs thrive, breed, migrate, and overwinter.
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Resources for Teachers
This page details curricula, websites and other pollinator resources available to teachers and other educators.
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