One of my goals as a gardener is to increase pollinator habitat. So, when my alma mater, the University of Georgia announced its Great Georgia Pollinator Census, I was on board.
The Great Southeast Pollinator Census is a citizen science project from the University of Georgia. The census brings citizens scientists of all ages together to make a difference for pollinator conservation. The word “census” sounds very official, but this project is simply observing plants for 15 minutes and noting each time an insect lands on that plant. You upload your data to the website and that’s it — you’ve done your part.
This year’s count takes place August 18 and 19, 2023, in the states of Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina.
Check out the Pollinator Census website for info on growing pollinator gardens and identifying the insects that visit them. In the few years that I’ve participated, I’ve learned about beneficial insects beyond the bees and the butterflies. Wasps, by the way, are very cool (and my 9 year old self would be horrified that I said that.).
Check out the Great Southeast Pollinator Census site. You can sign up and receive timely emails that guide you through your pollinator gardening and counting journey. They’re a fun follow on Facebook, too.
Note for Master Gardener Extension Volunteers
Check with your local extension agent to count your service hours for participating in the Great Southeast Pollinator Census.
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