| Insects and other invertebrates such as snails and spiders are a stunning 96 percent of known animal species. This staggering abundance is precisely why our founder, Robert Michael Pyle, called the work of the Xerces Society “the biggest job in the world.” But here at the Xerces Society, we are up for the challenge and Xerces staff work day after day to halt the declines of your favorite invertebrates.
So why are we seeing these declines? We have removed, degraded, or fragmented habitat in agricultural areas as well as in towns and cities. Less habitat means less diversity of species and less abundance of those that survive. It is as simple as that. Add in the toxic pesticides that are widely used, competition from invasive plants and animals, poor water quality, and climate change, and you can see that it is hard to be an insect in this human-dominated world.
To reverse these trends, we need high-quality, climate-resilient habitat across the landscape. That is where you come in. Home gardeners, farmers, land managers, government agencies, and businesses all can protect and restore habitat, reduce the harm of pesticides on non-target insects, and take action to help slow climate change.
Xerces is working to promote these changes by using applied research, engaging in advocacy, providing educational and training resources, and advancing policy. We endeavor to make meaningful long-term conservation a reality. But, as a donor-supported nonprofit, we need your support to be successful.
At the end of each year, we look to you, our loyal and generous supporters to provide us the foundation to continue this essential work forward into the next year. For those of you who are able, please consider making a tax-deductible gift this year-end.
Thank you for all you do.
Warmly,
Scott Black, Director |
North Carolina Small Farm Association 