| As Robert Michael Pyle recently said in Xerces 50th anniversary video, “People wonder, are we really losing all insects? Really losing the food for the trout? Losing our pollinators? It is all too easy to get depressed by that and give up. The fact is, it is not everywhere, it is not all insects, and it is not too late!”
I wholeheartedly agree with this statement. Thankfully, we have the solutions to this crisis, but we need to act now.
This is why I am reaching out to you today—to help Xerces implement solutions that are actionable, long lasting and cost effective. With your continued help, we can make a big difference.
The science is clear: we need to provide habitat (native plants, cover, and shelter) and make sure invertebrates are not poisoned by pesticides or other pollutants. We need to protect nature that remains intact, restore nature that is degraded, and replicate nature (as best we can) in as many places as possible so that we maintain the fabric of life.
This is the work that Xerces does every day using our proven, holistic approach: supporting applied research and community science to identify the best conservation strategies; outreach, education, and technical assistance to engage many different audiences; and policy and advocacy to push for real protections for species and their habitat. We have protected and restored more than 3 million acres and our work has led to habitat management improvements across tens of millions of additional acres.
It is a big job, but Xerces is stepping up to this challenge and we are excited to announce several new initiatives in 2022.
- Firefly Atlas Initiative: Following our recent status assessment of North American firefly species, we are launching a nationwide Firefly Atlas initiative, with an initial focus on the Mid-Atlantic, Southeast and the Southwest US.
- X Kids and the Incredible Invertebrates: We are expanding our outreach and education efforts to engage the next generation in science and meaningful conservation through X Kids, a series of science-based activities for children.
- Reaching new audiences in historically excluded communities: To conserve biodiversity and address the climate crisis, all people need to be actively seen and engaged as part of the solution. Xerces is working to practice reciprocity with our partners and grow inclusively so that BIPOC and all communities can feel valued in our work.
- Advancing nature-based climate solutions: We are integrating climate change adaptation and mitigation throughout all of our programs. We continue to work to understand how best to restore habitat with climate change in mind.
We need everyone involved in this effort: farmers, gardeners, policy makers, and kids. With your support, we can make a real difference to address the dual crises of biodiversity loss and climate change. Xerces knows the issues, and we have solutions that are tested and effective that will stand the test of time. But we can only accomplish our goals with you by our side.
Thank you so much for your support!
Sincerely,
Scott Black, Director
P.S. In 2022, we continue to expand our reach, engaging more and more folks like you in conserving and protecting that invertebrates that we all hold so dear. If you are able, please consider making a tax-deductible donation today to support this essential work. |
North Carolina Small Farm Association 