Great Southeast Pollinator Census

The Great Southeast Pollinator Census (GSePC) was developed as a
response to the lack of entomological knowledge among otherwise knowledgeable gardeners,
especially amid growing alarm about the worldwide decline in pollinator health, reduced
pollinator populations and habitat loss. Acknowledging the need for extension clientele to
understand ecosystems, especially pollinating insects, the GSePC was conceived and developed
by UGA Extension. Geared to the non-scientific community, the GSePC teaches the basic
entomology identification skills necessary to participate in the Census and provides educational
resources for creating pollinator habitats in home, school, and community gardens. Pilot projects
were held in 2017 and 2018 to refine the counting criteria and participants’ needs. After
collaborating with statisticians and researchers, the first Great Georgia Pollinator Census was
held in August of 2019. The program has evolved to become the Great Southeast Pollinator
Census, welcoming South Carolina, North Carolina, Florida, and Mississippi.

For two days in August participants count the number of times an insect lands on their chosen plant. They put these insects into one of eight categories: carpenter bee, bumble bee, small bee, honey bee, wasp, fly, butterfly, or other insect. The counts are uploaded to the website: https://GSePC.org. To prepare for the Census, participants use resources on the website which include videos, photos, an Insect Counting and ID Guide, and/or online trainings and in-person trainings with their local Extension office.