UF/IFAS invites Floridians of all ages to join the Great Southeast Pollinator Census Aug. 21-22

What if protecting pollinators were as easy as spending 15 minutes watching a patch of flowers?

On Aug. 21-22, the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Extension invites Floridians of all ages to join in the Great Southeast Pollinator Census, one of the region's largest citizen science conservation efforts.

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Here's the buzz: no nets, lab coats or scientific degrees are needed. All it takes is finding a blooming plant in a backyard garden, neighborhood park, schoolyard or community garden and a little curiosity about what's fluttering, buzzing and flying nearby.

Participants choose a flowering plant, record it on the official counting sheet, observe it for 15 minutes and record the bees, butterflies, beetles and other pollinators that land on the blooms. No insect identification experience is necessary, making the census accessible to families, classrooms, gardeners, nature enthusiasts and first-time community participants alike. Then submit the count using the QR code or the web link on the sheet. Want to move to another plant? There are no limitations. Just follow the same steps and remember to record and submit your observations separately.

Florida joins thousands of volunteers across Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, North Carolina and South Carolina in the regional initiative established by the University of Georgia in 2019. The goal of the citizen science census is to increase pollinator awareness, promote habitat conservation and encourage participants to take a closer look at the insects that support healthy ecosystems and food production.

"The Great Southeast Pollinator Census is a fun way for anyone, from kids seeing pollinators for the first time to experienced gardeners, to slow down, observe nature and help scientists learn more about the bees, butterflies and other pollinators that keep our ecosystems thriving," said Jeremy Rhoden, an urban horticulture agent at UF/IFAS Extension Marion County who is leading the Florida citizen science project.

In 2025, 5,122 counts were submitted, nearly double from 2024, and 59 counties participated across Florida. Additionally, 183 new sustainable pollinator habitats were planted in 2025 after the census. The goal for 2026 is to have participation from all 67 counties, and to double our impacts to 10,000 counts.

Florida's participation continues to grow through the efforts of UF/IFAS Extension offices, Master Gardener Volunteers, pollinator ambassadors, schools, botanical gardens and community organizations. Since its beginning, the census has become a gateway for many residents to become more involved in pollinator conservation by planting native flowers, reducing pesticide use and creating year-round habitat for bees, butterflies, beetles and other beneficial insects.

"The census is a great first step because it helps people notice the pollinators around them," said Rhoden. "Once you start paying attention, the next step is simple: create a pollinator-friendly space with plants that provide food and habitat throughout the year."

For more information about the census, contact Rhoden at Jeremy.k.rhoden@ufl.edu. To learn about upcoming pollinator education events in your area, visit this UF/IFAS blog or contact your local UF/IFAS Extension office. Follow the UF/IFAS Great Florida Pollinator Census Facebook page for posted updates on the census.