Great Southeast Pollinator Census Seeks Regional Volunteer Counts

The Great Southeast Pollinator Census, organized by the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Extension, invites citizen scientists across Florida, Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina to help count pollinator insects critical to about 70% of global crop production. Participants are encouraged to count insects visiting plants in their yards for 15 minutes during August 22-23 and upload their data via QR codes or links, with no registration required. Last year, nearly 2,800 Floridians recorded over 86,000 pollinators, including bees, butterflies, wasps, flies, and moths, contributing valuable data to support sustainable pollinator habitats and increase public knowledge of pollinators. The census aims to educate gardeners on planting for pollinator benefit and improve understanding of insect identification and ecology. Separately, Washington State's Department of Agriculture has documented 25 rare or new native bee species through volunteer efforts, including a record-size eastern carpenter bee and a rare digger bee species, highlighting ongoing research to identify and conserve native pollinator populations. Both regional efforts underscore the importance of citizen science in pollinator conservation and habitat management.