Pollinators are a vital part of a balanced ecosystem and critical to the well-being of humans. There are over 100,000 different varieties of insects and over 1,000 other species that serve as pollinators. These species are essential for the reproduction of over 225,000 different flowering plant species, including over 150 food crops. The annual value of pollinators to U.S. agriculture is estimated between $4.1 and $6.7 billion dollars. Unfortunately, growing evidence shows that many pollinator populations are in decline, threatening biodiversity, food availability, and ecosystem stability. More than 50 pollinator species are listed as threatened or endangered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. A lack of data makes it difficult to fully understand the scope of the decline.
To help address this, the University of Georgia launched the Great Southeastern Pollinator Census in 2017—a citizen science project aimed at improving our understanding of pollinator populations across the Southeast. This year’s census will take place on August 22–23, 2025. The census was originally held with a goal of creating a snapshot of pollinator population data while educating the public about the importance of pollinators and other beneficial insects. The census is open to all ages of citizens from the Southeastern Region, including GA, SC, NC, FL, and AL. The way it works is simple: participants choose a pollinator plant in their garden and count the number and type of insects that land on it over a 15-minute period. On August 22nd, the gsepc.org website will allow participants to enter the insect data they observed.
If the idea of insect identification makes you nervous, don’t worry! The Census website offers helpful resources, including the Insect Counting and Identification Guide, with descriptions and photos of the insects you’re most likely to see—such as bumble bees, carpenter bees, honey bees, small bees, wasps, flies, butterflies/moths, and others. You can also download observation sheets to use during your count.
If you’d like to learn more or get involved with others, consider joining us in one of three ways. On August 18th, attend a free, optional webinar to learn about the census, how to identify common pollinators, and tips for a successful count. Then, during the census, you can either count on your own or join our in-person event. To count at home, simply choose a blooming plant, observe it for 15 minutes on either August 22 or 23, and submit your observations at gsepc.org. Or, come out to our live count event on August 23rd from 8:30–9:30 AM at Double Branches Farm and Produce Market, where you can connect with fellow enthusiasts, visit with our local Extension agent, and enjoy a fun, educational morning on the farm—perfect for families, youth, and individuals alike.
We hope you’ll consider joining us for the Southeastern Pollinator Census! If you need help accessing these resources (found at gsepc.org) or have questions about the census or pollinators in general, please contact us at 706-359-3233 or uge3181@uga.edu.
