Insects and other invertebrates face mounting threats from habitat loss, harmful pesticides, and climate change. Xerces works to protect these vital species—and the ecosystems that depend on them—through proactive research, on-the-ground conservation, public education, and strong advocacy for science-driven policies. From bumble bees to rare butterflies, we serve as the voice for the small creatures that sustain our world.
Xerces shapes and supports science-driven policies that benefit and protect the health and biodiversity of pollinators, freshwater species, and other invertebrates. Specifically, we support policies at the federal, state, and local levels that:
- 🦋 Protect threatened invertebrate species and biodiversity at large - for example, by petitioning to list severely declining insects as federally threatened or endangered;
- 🐝 Reduce harmful pesticide use and promote pesticide regulations that better protect insect pollinators, other beneficial native invertebrates, and their habitats;
- 🌼Promote high quality habitat, sustainable agriculture, and incentives for land managers to adopt improved land management practices; and
- 🌿Promote invertebrate-focused wildlife management by state agencies and help to secure the resources that state agencies need to proactively conserve vulnerable wildlife.
Policy Highlights
Since Xerces was founded, the organization has advocated for policies that protect invertebrates and promote their conservation. Over the years, Xerces has accomplished many things!
Ensured Farm Bill Dollars Benefit Native Pollinators
Xerces helped to secure hundreds of millions of dollars for native pollinator research and conservation nationwide by successfully advocating for native pollinators to be included in the 2008 U.S. Farm Bill. This was a significant moment: for the first time, pollinators and their habitat were included as a priority for USDA conservation efforts. Since then, USDA conservation programming to support pollinators has expanded.
Pushed for Pesticide Reduction Policies
Xerces helped change pesticide policies in multiple states. For example, we successfully advocated for eliminating the use of neonicotinoid insecticides (“neonics”) on 300,000 acres of turf grass in Connecticut and restricting the use of neonics as a coating on certain crop seeds in Vermont.
Secured Legal Protections for Imperiled Insect Species
Xerces secured Endangered Species Act protections for numerous invertebrate species, including multiple butterflies and the first nine native bees ever listed. Notable species include the rusty patched bumble bee, Franklin’s bumble bee, and the island marble butterfly, and the Salt Creek Tiger Beetle. The monarch butterfly is a candidate species for ESA protections.
Elevated Imperiled Invertebrates in State Wildlife Plans
In 2025, Xerces provided conservation guidance for inclusion of imperiled invertebrates in 27 State Wildlife Action Plans (SWAPs). SWAPs serve as road maps to prevent extinctions and inclusion of species in a SWAP prioritizes them for state resources.
Restored Habitat for Monarch Butterflies
Xerces has helped to restore or create over one million acres of habitat for monarch butterflies through our advocacy to attain endangered species protections for this beloved species.
Protected Western Rangelands from Pesticides
Through advocacy and legal action, Xerces protected tens of millions of acres of public rangeland and wildlands from aerial sprays of pesticides that are toxic to an array of insects.
Empowered Communities Nationwide to Safeguard Pollinators
Xerces’ Bee City and Campus USA program empowered over 450 cities and campuses to create pollinator protection plans. Over 95% of city and campus affiliates are taking action to reduce pesticide use.
Helped States Gain Authority to Conserve Invertebrates
Xerces has helped state wildlife agencies secure the authority to proactively conserve insects and other invertebrates through legislative change in Colorado (2024) and New Mexico (2025). We are proactively working in other states where insect conservation is constrained by outdated regulatory language.