Xerces Society
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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).<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
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.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> 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,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> 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.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
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.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Initiatives
Bee City USA
The Xerces Society initiated its Bee City USA program in 2018 to encourage cities to encourage native pollinators by planting more native plants, providing more pollinator habitats, and limiting unnecessary pesticide spraying.<ref>Multiple sources:
These measures benefit pollinating species such as native bees, moths, beetles, flies, and butterflies.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Bee Campus USA
The Xerces Society started the Bee Campus USA program to include pollinator gardens in communities and campuses to provide habitats for local pollinators.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
The following colleges and universities participate in the Bee Campus USA program.
| College | Date | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Cal Poly Humboldt | 2024 | <ref>Template:Cite web</ref> |
| Utah State University | 2023 | <ref>Template:Cite web</ref> |
| University of Montana | 2024 | <ref>Template:Cite web</ref> |
| University of New Hampshire | 2024 | <ref>Template:Cite web</ref> |
| Indiana University Kokomo | 2024 | <ref>Template:Cite web</ref> |
| West Virginia University | 2024 | <ref>Template:Cite web</ref> |
| UC San Diego | 2024 | <ref>Template:Cite web</ref> |
| Catawba College | 2024 | <ref>Template:Cite web</ref> |
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. <ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Publications
See also
References
- Animal conservation organizations
- Nature conservation organizations based in the United States
- Conservation and environmental foundations based in the United States
- Environmental organizations based in Oregon
- Butterfly organizations
- Entomological organizations
- Invertebrates and humans
- Organizations based in Portland, Oregon
- Environmental organizations established in 1971
- 1971 establishments in Oregon
- 501(c)(3) organizations
- Insect conservation