In 2019, the University of Georgia’s Cooperative Extension Service launched The Great Southeast Pollinator Census.  Since that time, the census has been adopted in the states of North Carolina, Florida, and South Carolina.

       This year marks the seventh anniversary of this citizen science-based wildlife service.  During the past six years, the number of participants has grown from more than 4,000 participants in the inaugural count to more than 18,000 in 2025.

       The scientists that are spearheading this initiative have three goals.  One goal is to enhance public awareness of the wide variety of pollinators that live in this part of the world.  The second goal is the encourage the public to maintain and create pollinator habitats.  In addition, the efforts of thousands of volunteers will help develop a database that can be used to identify and monitor pollinator populations.

    The 2025 Great Southeast Pollinator Census will be staged August 22-23.

       Volunteers are asked to identify and count the number of pollinators they see visiting a pollen-bearing plant of their choice during a 15-minute period.

       Census takers separate the insects they see into eight categories (carpenter bees, bumblebees, honeybees, small bees, wasps, flies, butterflies/moths, and other insects.

       Fortunately, you do not have to be an expert entomologist to perform this task.  The reason for this the count coordinators provide each participant a full color guide that makes separating the insects into the proper categories easy.

       If you think you would like to join the Georgia Count Team, go online to the Great Southeast Pollinator website.  There you will find all you need to know about the survey as well as survey forms and the insect identification guide.

       Check it out.  It is a great way to serve as a citizen scientist.