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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Conservation At Home
Pesticides are believed to be a major cause of firefly declines, second only to habitat loss and fragmentation. While research on specific pesticide risks to fireflies is limited, several studies suggest that commonly used insecticides can harm fireflies, and studies on related insects suggest that many pesticides may negatively impact firefly populations. This fact sheet provides information on firefly life cycles, the needs of these beetles, and the threats they face from pesticides, so that you can take direct action at home to help conserve their populations.
The preservation and restoration of oak plant communities in Wasco and eastern Hood River counties can be important for many reasons. Because of the historical clearing of vast areas for grazing and agriculture, only a small percentage of these oak savannas and woodlands in Oregon remain. Research conducted by Oregon State University as a part of an USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service Conservation Innovation Grant and data collected by participants in the Oregon Bee Project has found that native plant habitat in remnant oak stands in Wasco County provide the most important habitat for sustaining the bee diversity and beneficial insects in the region.
Hazelnuts are commonly grown in the Willamette Valley with bare ground underneath to allow for machine harvest. Young orchards are particularly susceptible to soil erosion. Cover crops or other plantings between the rows of hazelnuts can prevent soil erosion in addition to providing benefits for soil health, water infiltration, and beneficial insect conservation. Cover crops also can reduce soil compaction and allow growers to access the orchard during moist weather.
Maintaining abundant, diverse, and healthy pollinator populations is critical for pollination success and setting a large, marketable crop of cherries. Managed honey bees and native bees living around orchards, including bumble bees, mason bees, and mining bees, are important pollinators of commercial cherries and other fruit crops.
Essays on Invertebrate Conservation
In the previous issue of Wings, we offered examples of conservation successes and inspiration. In this issue, we are turning toward practical solutions and actions that benefit insects and other wildlife. We hope you will find something in these pages to help you make a change in your neighborhood or community.
A Scientific Review of Causes, Consequences, and Management Alternatives
This report outlines key aspects of bark beetle outbreaks, their relationship to fire risk, and presents alternatives to large scale logging practices. Additionally, it suggests that government efforts to stem the infestation of insects in forests across the American West may be ineffective and are unlikely to mitigate future infestation or decrease wildfire risk. In fact, government efforts to cull and control insect outbreaks, which play “an important role in the development and maintenance of forest,” could have significant short-term and long-term impacts on national roadless forests, according to the report. Currently, state and federal agencies continue to spend millions to battle spreading mountain pine beetles and other insects across western states. In recent years, mountain pine beetles have infested millions of acres in Colorado, Wyoming and Montana.
Por favor complete los datos sobre las especies de libélulas migratorias para Pond Watch.
The Science Behind the Role These Insecticides Play in Harming Bees. 2nd Edition; Revised & Expanded
Now availaible as a revised and expanded second edition, our report examins the science behind the role these insecticides play in harming bees.
Ecological Pest Control Solutions
Lady beetles, syrphid flies, lacewings, and other beneficial insects prey upon crop pests, reducing or eliminating the need for pesticides. This comprehensive guide describes how to recognize these insects and their habitat, and how to evaluate, design, and improve habitat for them. Authors Eric Lee-Mäder, Jennifer Hopwood, Mace Vaughan, Scott Hoffman Black, and Lora Morandin discuss the ecology of native beneficial insects and how to increase their numbers on your farm through simple conservation strategies.
High-quality pollinator and beneficial insect habitat is usually composed of native vegetation. Providing pollen and nectar resources, host plants, overwintering and nesting opportunities, and protection from pesticides are all critical to quality habitat. Native habitat plantings can be established from seed or with live plants, also known as plugs. Plugs are a great way of establishing small-scale habitat in a variety of locations such as city parks, on farms, residential gardens, and more! The strategies outlined for plug planting in this document are broad to cover multiple regions.