On August 23rd and 24th, 2019, Georgians will make pollinator history. On those dates, citizens across the state will be counting pollinators as part of the Great Georgia Pollinator Census (https://GGaPC.org). This is believed to be the first pollinator census in the U.S. that is so all encompassing. Several types of bees, butterflies, wasps, flies and other insects will be documented.
The census is designed for individuals, families, garden groups, public gardens, and school groups to participate. All citizens are encouraged to count! You do not need to be an entomologist as instructions will be clearly given on the webpage and an online training will be available closer to August. Many public gardens and Extension offices will be hosting events during the census so garden visitors will have some assistance as they count.
As part of the project, we are encouraging participants to add pollinator habitat to their own landscape, especially plants that will be blooming in August at the time of the census. This can be as simple as adding perennials to your landscape. A few good choices are blazing star (Liatris spicata), swamp sunflower (Helianthus angustifolius), black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta), purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea), milkweed (Asclepias spp.), and anise hyssop (Agastache foeniculum) plants. Remember to adding three or more plants of any one type creates more of a stand of plants for the pollinators to find.
Our hope is that the census will not only provide a snapshot of our pollinator populations but that Georgians will gain a new respect for our pollinators. We want all citizens to go from “oooh, it is a bug” to “wow, look at the cool wings on that bee!” The census should be a starting point for Georgians who want to practice pollinator conservation. Leading up to the census we will be giving out information on insect biology and nesting habits as well as building useful habitat.
For more information, please visit the website, https://GGaPC.org. Check the website often as new events are added regularly. Also, request to join the project Facebook page at Georgia Pollinator Census. There will be interesting postings and educational snippets leading up to the census dates. Contact the project coordinator, Becky Griffin at beckygri@uga.edu if you have any questions or your local county agent, Brenda Jackson at Murray County Extension at 706-695-3031 or at email: bljack@uga.edu. Be part of Georgia pollinator history!