The Great Georgia Pollinator Census is a historic initiative where Georgians will record the numbers and types of pollinators that populate our state during late summer. Join us!
You do not have to be an entomologist to be part of this important project! The census was designed for individuals, families, garden clubs, school groups, friends – ALL Georgians – to participate.
You are welcome to count on your own in your own yard or a nearby park or join one of dozens of counting party events around the state. You can find a list of events here. GNPS is hosting several counting events and we’d love for you to join us!
West Georgia Chapter at the Carrollton Greenbelt on August 23 9 am to 12 pm.
Coastal Plain Chapter at Gaskins Forest with Quail Forever August 23 9 am to 12 pm and August 24 9 am to 12 pm.
Coastal Plain Chapter at private member home in St Marys August 23 11 am to 3 pm and August 24 11 am to 3 pm. Pre-registration required.
Stone Mountain Propagation Project August 23 9 am to 11 am at Stone Mountain.
Blue Heron Nature Preserve and GNPS on August 24 11 am to 1 pm in Sandy Springs.
Old Rucker Farm August 24 11 am to 12:00 pm in Alpharetta (one of our restoration sites).
Phinizy Nature Center, Augusta at the Picnic Pavilion August 24 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM
The following instructions have been provided by Becky Griffin, the project coordinator:
- Choose a favorite pollinator plant for counting. This can be any blooming plant that shows insect activity.
- Count and categorize the insects that land on your plant. Count for 15 minutes. The insect categories are:
- Bumble Bees
- Honey Bees
- Small Bees
- Carpenter Bees
- Wasps
- Flies
- Butterflies/Moths
- Other insects
- Fill out the insect counting sheet. Download a copy here.
- A guide with pictures of insects is available for use and can be found here.
- Upload your counts on the website (https://GGaPC.org). (There is no ability to accept mailed paper forms)
- Post photos of your counters having fun, photos of your gardens, or anything you think would be of interest to the group on the Georgia Pollinator Census Facebook page.
- If you have any questions, Becky Griffin, the project coordinator, is available through email at beckygri@uga.edu.
- COUNTING HINT: Your cell phone camera makes a great magnifier.
Georgia is the first state in 50 to introduce this program. Look for a list of partners across the state that we are engaging with to set aside time to “Count for Georgia”. If you have questions about GNPS counts, please contact us at pollinatorcount@gnps.org for more information on how you can partner with GNPS for a community, park, garden club, school or organization near you..
