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!
Find Publications
Use the search functions to sort by publication type (books, guidelines, fact sheets, etc.), location, and/or subject (agriculture, gardens, pollinators, pesticides, etc.).
Mulch can be any material intentionally placed on the soil surface that aids in weed suppression, erosion control, and moisture retention, and it can be very helpful in establishing small-scale wildflower plantings with plugs for pollinators and beneficial invertebrates. Mulching can be used both before planting to help prepare the site by smothering existing vegetation and after planting to help suppress weed pressure and retain moisture. It also sends the message that this site is cared for, that these small plants will become something significant.
How to increase native bee pollination on your farm in several simple steps (for Pennsylvania and New Jersey Farmers)
In this pamphlet, you can find out…
- The most effective native bees in PA and NJ and how to identify them
- Their habitat and foraging needs
- Strategies for encouraging their presence on your farm
- Sources of funding
Produced by Bryn Mawr College and Rutgers University
Cut, color, and wear this fun mask to shimmer like a dragonfly! This is an educational craft activity for kids.
Cut, color, and wear this fun mask to flutter like a butterfly! This butterfly is modeled after the beloved North American monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus). This is an educational craft activity for kids.
Cut, color, and wear this fun mask to buzz like a bumble bee! This is an educational craft activity for kids.
Cut, color, and wear this fun mask to flutter like a butterfly! This butterfly is modeled after the Xerces blue butterfly (Glaucopsyche xerces), which is the Xerces Society's namesake. This is an educational craft activity for kids.
A Roadmap for Butterfly Conservation in the 21st Century
A study published in March 2025 showed that we are losing butterflies at a rate of 1.3% per year in the contiguous US. State of the Butterflies in the United States presents a summary of those findings, species-level information on population trends for each of seven regions, and most importantly, a roadmap for how we can recover butterflies in the places we live, work, and play.
Essays on Invertebrate Conservation
At the Xerces Society, one thing that unites all of us—staff, donors, collaborators—is a love for insects or other invertebrates. In this issue of Wings, the articles explore the natural history of two diverse and often misunderstood groups, wasps and grasshoppers, and one intriguing moth from New Zealand.
Docket No. FWS-HQ-ES-2025-003
The Xerces Society opposes rescission of the definition of “Harm” under the ESA, Docket No. FWS-HQ-ES-2025-003. We respectfully submit the following comments in strong opposition to the proposed rule that would rescind the regulatory definition of “harm” under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). If enacted, this action could undermine implementation of the ESA by creating confusion about its protections and weakening deterrents to habitat destruction.
On August 18, 2020, the Xerces Society filed a petition to list the western ridged mussel as an endangered species under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. The western ridged mussel has been lost from 43% of its historic range. In addition, sudden die offs of western ridged mussels have been observed in Oregon and Washington.
