By Durham County Extension Master GardenerSM volunteers. Content adapted from Amanda Wilkins, Extension Agent, Lee County, Ashley Troth, Extension Agent, Durham County, and Becky Griffin, Community & School Garden Coordinator, University of Georgia Extension.
What Is the Great Southeast Pollinator Census?
The Great Southeast Pollinator Census (GSEPC) is a citizen science project started by the University of Georgia. Its goal? To get everyday people counting pollinators in their gardens, parks, and neighborhoods – and helping scientists understand insect populations in the Southeast.
You don’t need a degree in entomology to participate. You just need 15 minutes and a flowering plant!
This year’s Census takes place August 22–23, 2025.
Participating states include North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, and Alabama – and in NC, we’re proud to partner with the North Carolina Pollinator Conservation Alliance.
Why Count Pollinators?
You’ve probably noticed fewer bugs on your windshield over the years. That’s not just convenience – it’s a warning sign. Insect populations are declining, and pollinators are among the most vulnerable.
Pollinators (like bees, wasps, butterflies, and flies) are essential to the food we eat and the ecosystems we depend on. Scientists can’t monitor all insect populations alone, so they rely on citizen scientists like you.
According to the Entomological Society of America, more than 60% of Earth’s species are insects, and we’ve only described a fraction of them!
By participating in the Census, you’re giving researchers critical data while becoming a more observant, informed gardener and neighbor.
How to Participate
Conduct a Pollinator Census Count
- Step 1: Pick a flowering plant: Your own backyard, a park, roadside ditch, or a pollinator garden – wherever you see insect activity.
- Step 2: Set a timer for 15 minutes: Each time a pollinator lands on your selected plant, record it on the official tally sheet. You don’t need to ID the exact species – just the group (e.g., bumble bee, fly, butterfly). The sheet has pictures to help!
- Step 3: Upload your results: Use the QR code on the official Census poster in this post or visit GSePC.org to submit your count.
- You can do this multiple times on different plants during the two-day event!
Join the local Durham Community Event
Join fellow pollinator enthusiasts for a fun, free community event hosted by Durham County Extension Master Gardener volunteers and partners! We’ll have:
- Pollinator-themed crafts and games
- Vendors and sweet treats
- A giveaway and a surprise local celebrity guest
- Experts on hand to help you count confidently
Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned bug-spotter, this is a great way to celebrate pollinators and connect with your community.
Left: Bumblebee feeding on flower. (Image credit: Mary Kiernem CC BY-NC 4.0). Right: Eastern Tiger Swallowtail on Titonia. (Image credit: Marcia Kirinus)
If you want to participate in a Census event in NC other than Durham, contact your local N.C. Cooperative Extension County Center to see if they are hosting a Census event or host your own.
Classroom & Youth Activities (STEAM Focus)
Teachers and youth leaders: This project is perfect for classrooms, scout groups, and 4-H clubs. It supports STEAM learning:
- Math: Tallying insects, graphing results, comparing data
- Science: Entomology, botany, and ecology
- Technology: Data submission and social media sharing
- Engineering: Pollinator garden and bee house design
- Art: Haiku writing, insect origami, pollinator journals
Young people learning about insects at the Atlanta Science Festival. (Image credit: UGA Extension)
Learn Before You Count
Here are some resources to help build your confidence:
- How-To Video (short)
- Insect Counting & ID Guide (with photos)
- Join the Southeast Pollinator Census Facebook Group
- Follow @SoutheastPollinators on Instagram
Upcoming Events
- Aug. 14 from 1:00 – 3:00 pm : Free webinar: “Knowledge is Pollinator Power” Register here
- Aug. 20 from 3:00 – 4:00 pm: The Midweek Show with Amanda Bratcher, JC Raulston Arboretum Register here
Final Buzz
Yes, it will be hot on August 22 and 23. Be prepared – wear a sunhat, sunscreen, bring a water bottle, or maybe some good southern sweet tea!
Whether you count in your garden, at a public event, or with a classroom, you’re making a difference.
We hope to see you counting on August 22 and 23 – because knowledge is pollinator power!
Edited by Marcia Kirinus, NC State Extension Master Gardener℠ volunteer of Durham County
Article Short Link: https://wp.me/p2nIr1-6cV