Join the Great Southeast Pollinator Census on August 21–22, 2026
Have you ever wondered how many bees, butterflies, flies, and other pollinators visit the flowers in your yard? This August, you can help answer that question while contributing to an important regional community science project.
The Great Southeast Pollinator Census returns on August 21–22, 2026, and residents throughout St. Lucie County are invited to participate. This family-friendly event encourages people of all ages to spend just 15 minutes observing pollinators in their gardens, neighborhoods, parks, schools, or other community spaces.
Whether you are an experienced gardener, a nature enthusiast, a student, or simply curious about the insects visiting your flowers, everyone can participate. No special insect identification skills are required, just curiosity and a willingness to observe.
What Is the Great Southeast Pollinator Census?
The Great Southeast Pollinator Census began in Georgia as a citizen science initiative designed to document pollinator activity across the Southeast. Florida joined the effort in 2024, and participation continues to grow as thousands of volunteers contribute observations that help researchers, educators, and conservation professionals better understand pollinator populations.
By participating, community members become scientists for the day, helping collect valuable information about the pollinators found in our region.
Why Are Pollinators Important?
Pollinators are essential to both agriculture and natural ecosystems. Many of the foods we enjoy, including fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds, depend on pollination. Pollinators also support healthy ecosystems by helping plants reproduce and providing resources for other wildlife.
However, pollinators face many challenges, including habitat loss, pests, diseases, and changing environmental conditions. Community science projects like the Great Southeast Pollinator Census help increase awareness about these important insects while providing valuable information about pollinator activity across the Southeast.
Every observation contributes to a better understanding of local pollinator communities and helps inspire actions to protect these essential species.
How Can You Participate?
Participating is easy:
- Choose a flowering plant in your yard, garden, or community space.
- Observe the plant for 15 minutes.
- Record the insects that visit the flowers.
Participants will group pollinator visitors into categories such as:
- Honey bees
- Bumble bees
- Carpenter bees
- Small bees
- Butterflies and moths
- Wasps
- Flies
- Other insects
You do not need to identify insects to species. The census is designed so that beginners, families, and community members of all experience levels can participate.
You can complete one or multiple 15-minute counts during the two census days. Observing at different times or locations can also help highlight how pollinator activity changes throughout the day.
Learn Before You Count
To help residents prepare, UF/IFAS Extension St. Lucie County will host a free educational webinar on July 20 and August 20, 2026. During this session, participants will learn how to recognize common pollinators, complete the census, and submit their observations.
The training is open to gardeners, teachers, Master Gardener Volunteers, youth groups, community organizations, and anyone interested in learning more about Florida’s pollinators.
Last year, St. Lucie County focused on building a trained volunteer foundation to support participation in the census. This year, our goal is to expand engagement throughout the county and encourage more residents to become involved in this exciting community science effort.
Join Us for the Count!
Residents can participate independently or join us at one of our local counting events:
Friday, August 21, 2026
Heathcote Botanical Gardens
10:00–11:00 a.m.
Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens
2:00–3:00 p.m.
Saturday, August 22, 2026
UF/IFAS Extension St. Lucie County
10:00–11:00 a.m.
Oxbow Eco-Center
12:30–1:00 p.m.
Become a Community Scientist
This August, we invite everyone in St. Lucie County to grab a clipboard, enjoy the outdoors, and take part in this important conservation effort.
Whether you count pollinators in your backyard, a community garden, a school garden, or one of our local events, your observations matter.
Together, we can help protect pollinators!
For more information, pollinator identification guides, and census materials, visit the Great Southeast Pollinator Census website at gsepc.org. Registration information for the August 20 webinar will be available through UF/IFAS Extension St. Lucie County.
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