The Great Southeast Pollinator Census

The Great Pollinator Count was inspired by The Great Southeast Pollinator Census (GSPC), the brainchild of Becky Griffin, Community and School Garden Coordinator for the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension. This annual regional census, which started in Georgia, now includes Alabama, Florida, North Carolina, and South Carolina. Check out this link to learn more about the Census, or to participate!

The Great Southeast Pollinator Census

Activities

Participants in GSPC are using their collected data for a variety of educational projects. You can, too! After reading The Great Pollinator Count with your students, use the Insect Pollinator Survey to review the 8 categories of pollinating insects. Then conduct your own census in a school or community garden. Here are a couple of tips from Becky for using your data:

Census counting criteria is being used to record impact of created pollinator spaces.  A garden creator will use the Census counting criteria to evaluate the area before a garden is planted, just after the garden goes in, and then periodically afterwards.  This can quantitatively demonstrate the impact the garden is having on pollinator populations in that area.  The criteria is also used to compare different plant species and different pollinator garden designs.

Educators use the Census data for lessons in graphing, frequency tables, critical thinking skills, etc.  Creative teachers use data from their county and compare it to data from a county with an entirely different ecosystem.  For example, an educator in a mountain area is comparing counts with a county from the coast or an educator from Georgia partners with an educator in Florida to compare gardens and counts.  All reports are that students enjoy using data that they helped generate!  Examples of lessons are on the project website.

—Becky Griffin, National Project Coordinator

Tally Sheets

Insect Pollinator Survey

Official survey sheet of Great Southeast Pollinator Census 2024

Videos