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Count Insects: Help Pollinator Science!
4 Aug
Summary
- Citizen science project encourages everyone to count insects.
- Participants observe and count insects on pollinator plants.
- Census held Aug. 21-22, involves six Southeastern states.
The Great Southeast Pollinator Census, a citizen science initiative spearheaded by the University of Georgia, is seeking public involvement for its upcoming event. Scheduled for August 21 and 22, this year's census welcomes participants from Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Alabama, and for the first time, Mississippi.
Participation involves a simple 15-minute observation period focused on a pollinator plant. Individuals are asked to identify and count various insects, such as bumble bees, honeybees, butterflies, and wasps, landing on the flowers. These counts are then submitted to an online database, contributing vital data for pollinator conservation efforts.
Two special events are scheduled in Leon County for those wishing to participate in a guided setting. On Friday, August 21, from 10 a.m. to noon, the Leon County Extension Office Demonstration Garden will host an event led by Extension Agent Mark Tancig. On Saturday, August 22, from 9 to 11 a.m., Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park will offer a similar guided census experience led by park ranger Cassia Wagner.
