Calling All Lee County Citizens: Be a Pollinator Hero This August!
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Collapse ▲Get ready, Lee County! It’s time to join a critical scientific effort from August 22-23 and contribute to the Great Southeast Pollinator Census (GSEPC). Our goal across North Carolina this year is ambitious: to achieve more than 5,000 counts, and Lee County’s participation is vital to reaching this milestone!
You’ve likely heard the urgent news: pollinator populations are declining. While scientists work to actively track these trends, they need our collective eyes to gather the massive amount of data required to help understand what is happening in communities across the country. As your Horticulture Agent, I can tell you that every count, whether you do one or multiple during the weekend, adds to a powerful dataset that helps researchers understand insect diversity and decline, informing vital conservation strategies.
What is the Great Southeast Pollinator Census?
It’s a simple, two-day community science project that empowers anyone to be a scientist. All you need to do is observe a plant that’s being visited by pollinators for 15 minutes and tally each time an insect lands on it. Don’t worry about identifying every bug – the free datasheet (available on the GSEPC website) has pictures to guide you. Afterwards, you just upload your counts to the GSEPC website. It’s that easy!
If you feel you need more help with your insect identification you can join us at an organized event or watch our free webinar we recorded this year with entomologists from NC State to get a crash course in what these insects look like that you can see on our Lee County Cooperative Extension website.
The GSEPC, which first came to North Carolina in 2023, was designed by Dr. Becky Griffin at UGA Extension to increase awareness and literacy about the incredible insects in our gardens and empower everyday community members to contribute to scientific research.
How Can You Participate in Lee County?
The beauty of the GSEPC is its flexibility. You can participate right from your own home – in your backyard, vegetable garden, or even on your farm. Get your children involved for a fun, educational activity! Local parks, like San-Lee Park or the City of Sanford Pollinator Garden, are also excellent spots to observe. Of course, our own Pollinator Haven Garden at the N.C. Cooperative Extension – Lee County Center is another fantastic location.
But if you’re looking for a group experience, we have exciting organized counting events planned:
Friday, August 22nd:
- Pollinator Gardening Class with Extension Master Gardener Volunteers (9-11 a.m.)
- Senior Enrichment Center (10-11 a.m.)
- Honey Tasting with the Lee County Beekeepers Association at the Pollinator Haven Garden (11 a.m.-1 p.m.)
- City of Sanford Pollinator Garden (3-4 p.m.)
Saturday, August 23rd:
- Pollinator Gardening Class with Extension Master Gardener Volunteers (9-11 a.m.)
- Sanford Farmers Market (8:30 a.m.-12 p.m.)
- San Lee Park (10-11:30 a.m.)
- Wanu Navu Kava Bar (3-4 p.m.)
- Hugger Mugger Brewing (4-5 p.m.)
These events are a wonderful opportunity to connect with fellow community members, learn more about pollinators, and contribute to science together.
Your participation in the Great Southeast Pollinator Census is more than just counting insects; it’s a direct contribution to preserving the essential biodiversity that supports our own lives. Last year, North Carolina saw a surge from 1,475 counters in 2023 to 2,283 in 2024, and insect counts increased dramatically. Let’s build on that momentum and help NC reach over 5,000 counts this year!
For questions or to learn how you or your organization can participate, please contact Amanda Bratcher at N.C. Cooperative Extension- Lee County Center at 919-775-5624. Let’s make Lee County a pollinator powerhouse!
NC GSEPC Website to learn more
Amanda Bratcher is the Horticulture Agent for North Carolina Cooperative Extension in Lee County.