The Great Southeast Pollinator Census is a citizen science project created by the University of Georgia. Though the project began in Georgia, this year it has expanded to include North and South Carolina for the first time. The project will take place August 18-19, and is designed for anyone to participate and make a difference for pollinator conservation! You can learn more about the project here: https://gsepc.org/

How do you participate? It’s easy! 

1)      Print a counting sheet (link on the GSEPC website).

2)      Block off at least 15-20 minutes of time in your schedule on 8/18 or 8/19

3)      Find a blooming plant outside with pollinator/insect activity.

4)      Fill out the basic information on your data sheet first.

5)      Set a timer for 15 minutes.

6)      Observe and mark down all insect visits to the plant within those 15 minutes.

7)      Upload your data to the GSEPC website. 

You don’t really need any pollinator know-how to participate – the main thing is being able to tell the difference between a bee, a fly, a wasp, or a moth/butterfly. View this video for a quick rundown on how to participate: https://youtu.be/ncC-mM7ZSNw

There are lots of other resources available on the Pollinator Census website, particularly if you aren’t confident on how to identify different insects.

The best part about this program is that you can participate wherever you are that there are plants and pollinators around - at home, work, school, in the park, etc.

Feel free to take a photo and tag us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter to let us know you participated!