Organization · Wildlife & Conservation
Xerces Society
The Xerces Society is a nonprofit focused on invertebrate conservation, best known for its work protecting pollinators and the habitats they depend on. Families can get involved through citizen science programs, pollinator garden certification, and hands-on learning that turns a backyard or schoolyard into a working wildlife habitat.
This page from Outside, the family adventure app, profiles the Xerces Society for families with children roughly ages 4 to 14. It covers what the organization does, including invertebrate conservation, pollinator habitat restoration, and community science programs. The page explains how families can participate through programs like Bring Back the Monarchs, pollinator garden certification, and the Western Monarch Count. It is designed to help parents find conservation organizations that offer genuine family-friendly involvement.
| Cost | Free resources; optional memberships available |
|---|---|
| Region | North America, with region-specific guides for most U.S. states |
| Season | Spring through fall most active; year-round online resources |
| Best ages | 4 to 14, with some programs suited to 8 and up |
| Commitment level | Flexible, one-time to ongoing |
What the Xerces Society does
Founded in 1971 and based in Portland, Oregon, the Xerces Society is one of the oldest and most respected invertebrate conservation organizations in North America. The group works to protect insects, spiders, crustaceans, and other invertebrates that hold ecosystems together. Their focus spans pollinator conservation, endangered species advocacy, reducing pesticide harm, and restoring the native plant communities that insects need to survive.
Xerces conducts scientific research, trains farmers and land managers, and runs public education programs across the country. They publish detailed how-to guides on planting for pollinators, managing habitat, and identifying native bees and butterflies. For families, the most accessible entry point is their pollinator and monarch work, which connects directly to backyards, schoolyards, and local parks.
Pollinators and why they matter here
About one in three bites of food you eat exists because a pollinator did its job. Native bees, butterflies, moths, beetles, and flies move pollen between flowers, making fruit, seeds, and vegetables possible. Xerces estimates there are more than 4,000 native bee species in North America alone, most of which people never notice because they do not look like honeybees.
For kids, this is a genuine revelation. The bumblebee in the garden, the small metallic sweat bee on a sunflower, the sphinx moth at dusk on the porch light: these animals are doing essential work. Xerces gives families the tools and vocabulary to see that work clearly and to understand what threatens it, including habitat loss, pesticides, and the replacement of native plants with ornamental species that offer little to insects.
Programs families can join
**Bring Back the Monarchs** is Xerces's flagship citizen program. Families plant milkweed and nectar plants, then register their garden as monarch habitat. The program includes free planting guides tailored to different regions of the country.
**Pollinator Conservation Resource Center** offers region-specific seed lists, habitat guides, and plant ID resources. It is genuinely useful for parents who want to know exactly what to plant in their county.
**Western Monarch Count** and **Monarch Milkweed Mapper** are community science efforts where volunteers count monarch butterflies at overwintering sites or map milkweed stands. Older kids, roughly 9 and up, can participate in structured counts with adult supervision.
**Xerces Pollinator-Friendly Certification** lets farms, gardens, and schools earn certification by meeting habitat standards. Some families pursue this with a community garden or school project.
All program materials are free to download from the Xerces website.
How to get involved as a family
The most practical starting point is the Xerces website, where families can download free regional planting guides and register a pollinator garden. There is no membership required to use these resources.
For families who want a more structured connection, Xerces does offer memberships that support the organization's work and come with their print magazine, *Wings*. Membership levels start at a modest annual rate and are worth considering if your family has already engaged with the programs and wants to go deeper.
Xerces does not operate local chapters in the traditional sense, but they partner with land trusts, native plant societies, and extension programs in many states. Checking the Xerces website for regional contacts often surfaces local events, volunteer counts, and in-person workshops that families can attend together.
Best fit for your family
Xerces is an especially good match for families who spend time gardening, farming, or exploring natural areas and want that time to connect to real conservation outcomes. Kids who are drawn to insects, who like to observe and record, or who enjoy having a specific project with clear steps will find the pollinator garden and monarch tracking work genuinely satisfying.
Younger children, ages 4 to 7, do best with the hands-on planting side: digging, watering, watching flowers attract bees. Older kids, ages 8 to 14, can take on community science roles, learning to identify species and contribute real data. Families do not need a large yard. A container garden on a balcony, a school plot, or a strip of a community garden bed can all be certified habitat.
Spend fifteen minutes sitting quietly near a flowering plant in your yard or a local park. Write down every different type of insect you see visit the flowers, what it looked like, and what it seemed to be doing. Did anything surprise you about how busy that one plant was?
Frequently asked questions
Do you have to be a member to use Xerces programs?
No. Most Xerces programs, including planting guides, habitat certification, and community science participation, are free and open to anyone. Membership supports the organization's work and includes their print magazine, but it is not required to get involved.
Can kids actually participate in monarch counts?
Yes. The Western Monarch Count and Monarch Milkweed Mapper both welcome family participants. Younger children can help with observation and recording under adult supervision. The Xerces website provides training materials and protocols so families know exactly what to do before heading out.
What do I need to plant a certified pollinator garden?
Xerces provides free regional planting guides that list native plants appropriate for your area. You do not need a large space. The certification process involves meeting basic habitat standards, avoiding certain pesticides, and registering your garden online. The guides walk you through each step.
Does Xerces have local chapters or in-person events?
Xerces does not run a traditional chapter network, but they partner with native plant societies, land trusts, and university extension programs in many parts of the country. Their website lists regional contacts and partner events, which is the best way to find in-person opportunities near you.