pollinators – Extension Master Gardener Volunteers of Durham County

A close-up of a bee perched on a round flower head surrounded by green foliage.

A close-up of a bumblebee collecting nectar from bright pink flowers surrounded by green leaves.

Pollinators in action at the downtown Cocoa Cinnamon Container Garden in Durham, NC. (Image credit: Mary Knierim)

Interested in learning more about how you can have a positive impact on pollinators when gardening in your own landscape? Join the Durham Garden Forum (DGF) on Tuesday, September 16, 2025 from 7:00 – 8:30 pm for an in-person lecture at the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics in Durham, NC.

Event parking is free and accessed from the entrance on W. Club and Ninth Street.

This event is free to Durham Garden Forum members and $10 for non-members. Not a member? If you join now through the end of 2025, membership extends to the end of 2026.

2025 Keynote Presenter

Dr. Elizabeth D. Hilborn, writer, scientist, and veterinarian with expertise in honeybee medicine presents “Restoring Eden.“ Dr. Hilborn tells the true story of the sudden loss of insect life on her family farm in our part of North Carolina. An award-winning author and environmental epidemiologist for the US Environmental Protection Agency, she will introduce us to the hazards of systemic insecticides and review the best landscape management methods to support pollinator health.

A book cover titled 'Restoring Eden' by Elizabeth D. Hilborn, featuring a scenic landscape with mountains, trees, and a farmhouse under a cloudy sky.

DGF will raffle off three signed copies of Dr. Hilborn’s book ” Restoring Eden” at the end of the program.

Pre-Lecture Plant Swap

Prior to the keynote address, the DGF will host a participant Plant Swap from 6:00 – 7:00 pm.

Bring your divided plants or extra garden plants to share with DGF members. Please bring plants in some form of container, labeled if possible, and remove any plants not taken at the end of the swap. Be ready to connect with other plant-loving people.

If you have plants to drop off, you can drive up to the main entrance, bear to the left, drop off plants at the plant swap space, then go to the parking lot.

Upcoming DGF Events

The Durham Garden Forum (DGF) is an informal group that meets once a month to enrich gardening knowledge and skill. Meetings are on the third Tuesday of the month from 7:00 – 8:30 pm. Most meetings are via Zoom. Members have access to a video library of presentations, and they also receive discounts at Durham Garden Center, and For Garden’s Sake, and Deep Roots Natives.

Durham Garden Forum memberships cost $25 per year. You can access the membership form here (scroll down to bottom). If you are a DGF member, you will receive invitations to register for each month’s meeting. For new members joining now through the end of 2025, membership extends to the end of 2026.

Dates, topics, and presenters for upcoming DGF lectures include

October 26, 2025 “Using Native Plants In Design” with Laurel Babcock, Extension Master Gardener^SM volunteer of Durham County

November 18, 2025 “Growing and Maintaining Camellias” with Brie Arthur, horticulturalist, teacher, and author

December 16, 2025 “The Light Eaters” with Zoë Schlanger, The Atlantic journalist covering science, health, and the environment

January 20, 2026 “Nature’s Action Guide” with Sarah F. Jayne, author, educator, and environmentalist

Questions? Contact durhamgardenforum@gmail.com

Edited by Melinda Heigel, NC State Extension Master Gardener ^SM volunteer of Durham County

Article Short Link: https://wp.me/p2nIr1-6ts

By Durham County Extension Master Gardener^SM 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.

Colorful graphic promoting the Great Southeast Pollinator Census, featuring various flowers and pollinators, with event dates August 22nd and 23rd, 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

Poster for the Great Southeast Pollinator Census, featuring colorful illustrations of flowers and bees, with event details for Durham County Cooperative Extension on August 23rd.

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.

A close-up of a bee collecting nectar from red flowers, surrounded by greenery.

Butterfly perched on a vibrant orange flower with a blurred garden background.

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

A child using a magnifying glass to examine insect specimens displayed in a box, with people and a butterfly decoration in the background.

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:

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

Extension Master Gardener Volunteers of Durham County

Tag: pollinators

Learn About Promoting Pollinator Health at Durham Garden Forum Keynote