Join Us in the Great Southeast Pollinator Census

Have you ever paused to watch butterfly land on a flower or noticed bees buzzing through a garden? These simple moments connect us to a vital part of our ecosystem: pollinators. Now, you can play a direct role in protecting these essential creatures by joining the Great SE Pollinator Census on August 21 and 22nd. all over  Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Florida, Alabama and Mississippi.

The census offers a unique chance for families, students, gardeners, and curious community members to contribute to real scientific research. It’s easy, fun, and meaningful.

What Is the Great Southeast Pollinator Census?

The Great Southeast Pollinator Census is a citizen science project started in 2017 at the University of Georgia that invites people across the region to observe and count pollinators in their local environment. Pollinators counted include:

• Bees

• Butterflies

• Wasps

• Flies

• Other beneficial insects

Citizen Scientists spend a short, focused time watching pollinators visiting flowers and recording what they see. This data helps UGA Scientists and many other researchers track pollinator populations, identify trends, and develop strategies to protect these insects that are crucial to our food supply and natural habitats.

How to Join the Pollinator Census

Count anywhere on Friday or Saturday August 21 and 22nd in any of the 5 participating states. If you are counting at home or anywhere, contact us at Wimberly's Roots (wimberlysRoots@gmail.com) or visit the Official Census Website at https://gsepc.org/

The Wimberly Center in Winder, GA, is hosting a free local event that welcomes everyone, regardless of experience on August 22 Here’s what you can expect:

• Guided counting sessions in the gardens to learn how to identify and count pollinators accurately

• Hands-on activities for kids to make learning about pollinators fun and interactive

• Educational displays and STEM activities that support health and spark curiosity

• Community engagement with local groups and experts

• Giveaways and interactive stations to keep the whole family entertained

No special equipment or prior knowledge is needed. Just bring your curiosity and enjoy spending time indoors and out helping science.

Why Pollinators Are Essential

Pollinators are responsible for fertilizing many of the fruits, vegetables, and nuts we eat. Their work supports healthy ecosystems and biodiversity. Consider these facts:

• One out of every three bites of food depends on pollinators

• Pollinators help grow crops like apples, almonds, blueberries, and cucumbers

• They maintain the balance of natural habitats by supporting plant reproduction

Without pollinators, our food system would struggle, and many plants would fail to reproduce, leading to a decline in wildlife and ecosystem health.

What You Will Learn and Experience

Attending or being part of the Pollinator Census event offers more than just counting insects. You will:

• Discover how pollinators contribute to food production and environmental health

• Learn to identify different pollinator species and understand their roles

• Gain practical skills in citizen science and data collection

• Connect with others who care about nature and community

• Experience the joy of observing nature up close

• Be rewarded with an official UGA Citizen Scientist Certificate

These annual 2 Census days in August are a great way to inspire children and adults alike to appreciate and protect pollinators.

How Your Participation Makes a Difference

Every observation you record adds valuable information to a growing UGA database used by researchers and conservationists. This data helps:

• Track changes in pollinator populations over time

• Identify areas where pollinators are thriving or declining

• Guide planting and conservation efforts to support pollinator habitats

• Raise public awareness about the importance of pollinators

By joining the census, you become part of a larger movement to protect these vital species

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Tips for a Successful Pollinator Census

To get the most out of your experience, keep these tips in mind:

• Wear comfortable clothing bring water when you are counting

• Use the Official UGA Census Count sheet for easy recording and upload

• Move slowly and quietly to avoid disturbing pollinators

• Focus on one spot for 15 minutes and watch carefully for visiting insects

• Ask questions and engage with Wimberly's Roots if you have any questions.

These simple steps will help you gather accurate data and enjoy the process.

The Great Southeast Pollinator Census offers a hands-on way to connect with nature, learn about pollinators, and contribute to important scientific research. Your participation helps protect the bees, butterflies, and other insects that support our food and environment.

Join us on August 21 and 22nd or plan a day visit to our beautiful small town in Northeast Georgia (Winder) to count with us.

Whatever you do we hope you will choose to be part of this 5 state effort to save our pollinators.

Together, we can a difference—one flower one pollinator at a time.

🌱#seedkindess #Beethechange 🐝