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What is the Pollinator Count?
The Great Southeast Pollinator Census was created in 2019 at the University of Georgia and takes place every August. This year, the count days are August 23 & 24.
During the two-day count, volunteers sit in front of a blooming pollinator plant for 15 minutes and observe the type and number of pollinators that land on the plant. This information is recorded on our easy-to-use counting page, and then uploaded into the official Southeast Pollinator Census database.
UF/IFAS Marion County Master Gardeners are excited to announce the Great Florida Pollinator Count!
We will be participating with the states of Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina in sustaining our pollinators, one count at a time. Extension Services in other Florida counties are joining every day. With much of our state’s year- round tropical climate, we can potentially sustain, if not increase, pollinator populations.
Follow this link to see just how excited we are: (20+) Southeast Pollinator Census | Facebook
The Program has three goals:
1. Raise awareness of Pollinators
2. Increase sustainable pollinator habitats
3. Provide useful data for research
Why are pollinators important?
We can’t live without them!
- Scientists estimate that one out of every three bites of food we eat exists because of animal pollinators like bees, butterflies and moths, birds, bats, beetles, and other insects.
- Pollinator populations are declining due to issues like habitat loss, disease, and environmental contaminants.
- Pollinators that can’t find the right quantity or quality of food (nectar and pollen from blooming plants within their flight range) don’t survive.
- Right now, there aren’t enough pollinator-friendly plantings to support them.
How can you help?
Create and Maintain Plant Pollinator Habitats
No space is too small to incorporate pollinator plants! Whether you plant in the ground or in flower pots, micro-habitats provide HUGE advantages to pollinators. A few single plants may seem insignificant to you but, to the pollinators in your neighborhood your patio or deck may be their whole world. Since the program started, over 2,500 sustainable pollinator habits have been planted!
Participate in the Count
Thousands of people participate in the count annually across four states. It only takes 15 minutes at any point during the day on August 23 or 24 and you will be making a world of difference.
Spread the Word
Invite friends and family to participate in the census to make positive change for our pollinators.
Master Gardeners will provide more ‘how to count’ info as the count gets closer.
Connect with us! Facebook: @MarionCountyMasterGardeners
Instagram: @MarionCountyMasterGardeners
Find additional information at: gsepc.org
Attend our Speakers Bureau events, garden tours. Talk with a Master Gardener at our Plant Clinics.
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