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In 2018, a small pilot project was launched to see whether the people of Georgia would be interested in a citizen science project designed to educate people about pollinators. The project, overseen by UGA, had three goals: to create sustainable pollinator habitats, to increase the public’s entomological literacy, and to generate data on pollinator populations. It was so well received that in 2019, it was launched statewide, and Springmont jumped in with both feet! We have participated every year since, even during the pandemic! 

Students, Primary through Middle School, participate at an age-appropriate level. Middle School students, many of whom have participated since the inception of the program, accompany Primary and Elementary students into their classroom gardens and teach them to identify the main insects that we count - honey bees, bumble bees, small bees, carpenter bees, moths, butterflies, and “others.” It may come as a surprise to know that wasps, carpenter bees, and even moths are very effective pollinators! Each student watches a particular plant for a specified amount of time, counting each insect that visits that plant. Students learn to identify the different insects, and as they sit still and quietly watch, they learn patience. They have wonderful mentors in the Middle School students, and in turn, Middle School students enjoy imparting their knowledge to the younger students.

Since its inception, when 4000 people participated, the census now includes the Carolinas thanks to Clemson University, and now numbers 12,000 counters! One wonderful outcome of this project is that almost 2800 new, sustainable pollinator gardens were created across Georgia and the Carolinas!

For those interested in further reading, articles in the Journal of Entomological Science are available here and here.

One of the questions I’m most asked is why Springmont participates. The reasons are many! We need to know what is happening to our pollinators and why. Children benefit from learning to identify insects and plants. They also learn to appreciate being in nature, how to be still, and how to observe a world just under their noses. The Great Southeastern Pollinator Census is one of my favorite things to do with our students, and I am already looking forward to August 23, 2024!