Submitted information:
The Master Gardener Volunteers of Cobb County, Inc. (MGVOCC) are once again proud to join fellow citizen scientists across Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Florida, and Alabama for the 2025 Great Southeast Pollinator Census on August 22 and 23. This fun, fast, and impactful community science project invites everyone to spend just 15 minutes counting pollinator insects to support vital ecosystem research and conservation efforts.
What is the Pollinator Census?
Launched in 2019 with more than 4,000 participants across 134 of Georgia’s 159 counties, the Pollinator Census has grown into a regional effort with thousands of volunteers helping document the insects that keep our gardens blooming and our food supply secure.
The actual count takes just 15 minutes, making it an ideal activity for individuals, families, school groups, scout troops, garden clubs, and community organizations. Participants simply observe a plant, identify visiting insects using resources provided online, and submit their data.
Learn more and get ready to count at https://gsepc.org. Resources include identification guides, how-to videos, printable tally sheets, and fun ideas for involving kids and neighbors.
You can also learn more from the MGVOCC hosted Grow Virtually webinar, “Great Southeast Pollinator Census – Citizen Science at Work!” on Tuesday, August 12 at 7:00 pm featuring Becky Griffin, UGA Extension’s Pollinator Census National Coordinator. Becky will share insights about pollinator ecology and how everyone can make a difference and contribute to the 2025 Great Southeast Pollinator Census. You can register for this “how to” webinar at https://bit.ly/2025GSEPC-Webinar.
The Great Southeast Pollinator Census relies on the help of UGA Extension agents, Master Gardeners, teachers, students, nature lovers, stay-at-home parents, 9-to-5’ers, retirees, and everyone in between. Whether counting pollinators solo, with a school group, or as part of a community event, your efforts will make a difference.
The Great Southeast Pollinator Census is a fun, hands-on way for people of all ages to contribute to scientific research by identifying and counting pollinators in their own backyards, schools, neighborhoods, and community spaces. By participating, you’ll help collect valuable data that supports pollinator conservation across the region.
“We’re so pleased to be participating in this citizen science project,” says Janis Hylton, President of the Master Gardener Volunteers of Cobb County. “It’s easy and fun, and the results give important information to aid in environmental conservation efforts. Please join us at a garden near you or do it from home!”
MGVOCC invites the public to join them for Census Counting Sessions at the following nine Cobb County community gardens on the day and times listed below. Stop by any time during the window—each count takes only 15 minutes!
Friday, August 22, 2025, from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm
- Wright Environmental Education Center, 2661 Johnson Ferry Road, Marietta 30062
- Wildlife and Rain Garden, 622 South Cobb Dr, Marietta 30060
- William Root House Museum and Garden, 80 North Marietta Parkway, Marietta 30060
- North Marietta Neighborhood Garden, 341 Pine St, Marietta 30060
- Reconnecting Our Roots Community Garden, 271 Lemon Street, Marietta 30060
Saturday, August 23, 2025, from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm
- Wellness Garden at Cobb County Farm Bureau, 2850 Powder Springs Road SW, Marietta 30064
- McFarlane Nature Park, 280 Farm Road SE, Marietta 30067
- Green Meadows Preserve Community Garden, 3780 Dallas Highway, Marietta 30127
Friday, August 22, 2025, from 9:00 to 11:30 am and 12:30-2:30 pm
Saturday, August 23, 2025, from 10:30 am to 12:00 pm and 1:30-3:30 pm
- Chattahoochee Nature Center, 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell 30075
Learn more:
- The Great Southeast Pollinator Census – https://gsepc.org/
- Insect Counting and Identification Guide – https://gsepc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/GSePC-Counting-Guide.pdf
- Counting sheet – https://gsepc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Counting-Sheet.pdf
- Census Data Results 2019-2024 – https://gsepc.org/census-data-2/
- Southeast Pollinator Census Facebook Group –https://www.facebook.com/groups/southeastpollinatorcensus/
- Instagram @SoutheastPollinators – https://www.instagram.com/southeastpollinators
- Eco-Friendly Garden: Attracting Pollinators, Beneficial Insects, and Other Natural Predators – https://secure.caes.uga.edu/extension/publications/files/pdf/B%201456_3.PDF
- How to Join the Count – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ncC-mM7ZSNw&t=4s
- Mastering the Pollinator Census: Tips and Tricks for a Successful Count https://youtu.be/LNgrSzuGRQc
- The Great Pollinator Census —Educators and Non-Profits https://youtu.be/QFmmuH_tH3M
Get Our Free E-Mail Newsletter!
Every Sunday we round up the week’s top headlines and preview the upcoming week in the East Cobb News Digest. Click here to sign up and you’re good to go!
