As a science-based organization, the Xerces Society produces dozens of publications annually, all of which employ the best available research to guide effective conservation efforts. Our publications range from guidelines for land managers, to brochures offering overviews of key concepts related to invertebrate conservation, from books about supporting pollinators in farmland, to region-specific plant lists. We hope that whatever you are seeking—whether it's guidance on making a home or community garden pollinator-friendly, advice on developing a local pesticide reduction strategy, or detailed information on restoring habitat—you will find it here!
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Firefly tourism is on the rise in the United States. Of the more than 150 species of fireflies that occur in the US, at least five species—including the synchronous fireflies Photinus carolinus and Photuris frontalis—are of tourism interest. While this can be a boon to local economies and help more people to experience the wonder of fireflies, it also presents challenges.
Anecdotal reports of firefly declines have been on the rise in recent decades. While population declines have been documented for some species in Europe and Asia, the picture was not as clear in North America. With the exception of a few localized studies, no effort had previously been made to assess the conservation status of the 171 described taxa in the United States and Canada.
Bumble bees are important pollinators throughout much of the world, essential to the health of wildlands and natural areas. Yet, bumble bee population declines have been documented from multiple continents. In North America, many species have been considered for listing as endangered under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, including several bumble bees in the western United States.
Historically, an incomplete picture of the habitat needs and status of bumble bees has been a barrier to effective conservation and land management. To address this need, the Pacific Northwest Bumble Bee Atlas (PNWBBA) was launched in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington in 2018. This large-scale, three-year effort was specifically directed toward understanding bumble bee populations, their habitat needs, and the efficacy of various habitat management actions, with the goal of significantly improving the effectiveness of bumble bee conservation efforts.
It can be difficult to establish native milkweeds in the western states. The Xerces Society partnered with USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service Plant Materials Centers to find the best methods for planting and growing two widespread species, showy milkweed and narrow-leaved milkweed. This fact sheet presents the information learned from these trials.
A series of regional guides to the native milkweeds of North America, developed in cooperation with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
This insectary cover crop field trial was part of a larger project involving the design and implementation of specific insectary habitat features, such as field borders or cover crops, and measuring some of the resource benefits of these features. Click the following links to read additional California habitat trial reports:
Insectary Wildlife Habitat Trial: California Mixed Vegetable Farm