Most Georgians are aware that honeybee populations are plummeting throughout the country.  However, the fact that populations of native bees and other insect pollinators are also declining is less widely known.  Pollinators play a key role in the production of food throughout the world. The impact of pollinators is worth $635 million annually in Georgia alone.  On top of that, while introduced honeybees perform much of the pollination of many of our food crops, other insect pollinators also have a huge impact on the pollination of native plants and commercial crops alike.  In fact, it is estimated that one group of pollinators known as solitary bees perform a third of the pollination of food eaten by humans around the world.

       Realizing that an important step in launching an effort to conserve pollinators is to determine the status of insect pollinators in Georgia is to conduct a census of these valuable insects.  With this in mind, in 2018, the University of Georgia launched the Great Georgia Pollinator Census.  In 2023, the survey was renamed the Great Southeast Pollinator Census when South and North Carolina as well as Florida joined the survey effort.

       This year the dates of the Survey are August 23-24.

       This massive survey depends on the efforts of thousands of volunteers.  While the number of participants in the survey increases every year, there is a need for far more individuals to better survey each individual state.  With this in mind, the UGA is asking for our assistance.

       I have participated in the survey since its inception.  I have found it to be fun and simple.  All that is required is that you survey the pollinators visiting one particular plant for 15 minutes.  During this time, surveyors simply count the insects they see.  Participants separate each insect into one of eight categories:  bumblebees, carpenter bees, small bees, honeybees, wasps, butterflies/moths, flies, and other insects.  The UGA provides a full color guide to help identify members of each group.  Once a survey is completed, the data is uploaded using the survey’s online portal.

       For more information on this great way to contribute to the conservation of our wild insect pollinators, go to the Great Southeast Pollinator Census website (gsepc.org).