By Julie McConnell, UF/IFAS Extension
Attracting pollinators is a common goal of many gardeners, but sometimes the interest stops at picking out plants. Honey bees and butterflies are well-known pollinators, but did you know that sweat bees, beetles, moths, and even flies also serve that role? If you have ever wanted to learn more about pollinators and how many are visiting those well-planned gardens, then let me introduce you to the Great Southeastern Pollinator Census!
In an effort to create pollinator habitats, increase entomological literacy, and collect data about pollinators, The Great Georgia Pollinator Census was launched in 2019. This innovative program led by Becky Griffin, University of Georgia’s Community & School Garden Coordinator, has expanded into the Great Southeastern Pollinator Census which includes South Carolina, North Carolina, and, as of 2024, Florida in this regional citizen science project.
On the designated days each year, participants will spend 15 minutes observing a plant and counting the number of insect visits to that plant. Insect visits are grouped into broad categories (small bees, honey bees, wasps, butterflies & moths, flies, and other insects) and recorded on an easy-to-read form. These forms can be uploaded to the website or entered on a computer after the count.
This year, the Great Southeastern Pollinator Census will be held on Friday, August 23 and Saturday, August 24. You can participate both days or just one – whichever best fits your schedule. Not confident about your insect identification skills? No need to worry, the Great Southeastern Pollinator Census website has great resources that help the user tell the difference between insects while keeping a practical distance.
If you are interested in helping collect data for the census, visit https://gsepc.org.
An Equal Opportunity Institution. UF/IFAS Extension, University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, Andra Johnson, Dean. Single copies of UF/IFAS Extension publications (excluding 4-H and youth publications) are available free to Florida residents from county UF/IFAS Extension offices.
