June 13, 2023

Invertebrate tourism can be an exciting part of our summer travel plans, whether it’s adding a few more butterflies to your life list or just soaking in the magic of a glittering night. And just as we work to protect invertebrates at home, here are a few activities and resources you can enjoy from the road.

What does it take to build a pollinator-friendly city? Along the Santa Fe Pollinator Trail, this question has been answered plant by plant, across dozens of organizations and hundreds of helping hands.

Thanks to a new StoryMap, you can now tour the trail either in-person or online. Explore the guided imagery, video and maps to experience the cumulative impact of many different people creating pollinator gardens across an urban landscape. Learn more

Firefly tourism is a quickly growing industry in the U.S. While this can be a boon to local economies and help more people to experience the wonder of fireflies, it also presents its own challenges.

Find out where to see fireflies in the U.S., and how to practice good visitor etiquette to protect these jewels of the night. Learn more

In honor of Pollinator Week coming up the third week of June (June 19-25), Xerces is hosting a peer-to-peer fundraising contest! Share your custom fundraiser with friends and family to help spread awareness and raise funds for a cause that’s important.

The top fundraiser will win a “Pollinator Prize Package” that includes the following:

• 1-year membership to Xerces (for themselves or a friend)
• 1 pollinator habitat sign for their favorite garden
• 1 copy of the book 100 Plants to Feed the Bees
• 1 copy of the book 100 Plants to Feed the Monarchs

Contest rules: You must register your fundraiser in June prior to the finish line. The fundraising finish line is at midnight on Sunday, June 25th. The winner will be notified by email on Monday, June 26th and will be announced on Xerces social media. Enter the contest

It can be challenging – but very possible! – to find a plant nursery that takes pollinator safety seriously. Join Xerces and Mikl Brawner, founder and co-owner of Harlequin’s Gardens in Boulder Colorado, on June 15 to learn how it’s done.

On June 26-29, join prairie experts, enthusiasts and more for the North American Prairie Conference. Eric Lee-Mader will be a keynote speaker Monday, June 26th. Other Xerces staff members will also be present tabling and helping lead field trips.

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Join or Renew your membership today!

Start a fundraiser to protect invertebrates.

If you need us, email us at membership or call us at 855-232-6639, option 2.

Body photos: Kaitlin Haase, Xerces Society

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