Aug 1, 2024Great Southeast Pollinator Census set for Aug. 23-24
The Great Southeast Pollinator Census, a key citizen science project, is returning on Aug. 23-24. This initiative, led by the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension, invites participants from Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Florida to count pollinators and contribute crucial data for conservation efforts.
In a recent article by Emily Cabrera on the College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences UGA Cooperative Extension’s (CAES) website noted that the census, founded by Becky Griffin, aims to raise awareness about pollinators and promote habitats that support these essential insects.
This year’s event marks Florida’s official inclusion following a successful pilot last year, expanding the project’s impact across the Southeast.
Participants can access resources in both English and Spanish on the program’s website, which includes guides for identifying and counting various pollinators. The data collected will assist researchers, farmers, and policymakers in understanding pollinator populations and their role in agriculture.
Cabrera shared that Griffin highlighted the economic value of pollinators, noting that they contribute over $635 million annually to Georgia’s economy. The census has also revealed the significance of less recognized pollinators, such as flies and beetles, in the ecosystem.
The article shared Griffin’s enthusiasm about the growing engagement, with participation increasing from 4,698 counters in 2019 to a record 12,293 in 2023.
For more information, visit the census website.
