Bees, butterflies and other pollinators do more than brighten gardens. They help sustain the food systems and ecosystems people rely on every day.
This August, Clemson Cooperative Extension wants South Carolinians to help count them.
Extension is hosting a webinar on May 28 for organizations interested in participating in the Great Southeast Pollinator Census (GSEPC), a citizen science project that brings communities together to support pollinator research and conservation.
The GSEPC encourages people of all ages to spend 15 minutes observing and counting pollinators. The information collected helps researchers, farmers and conservation groups better understand pollinator activity across the Southeast while raising awareness about the important role pollinators play in agriculture and natural ecosystems.
This year’s Census will take place Aug. 21-22, 2026.
The webinar targets South Carolina organizations interested in hosting public Census events, including public gardens, libraries, schools, community gardens, conservation groups, volunteer organizations, businesses, farms, nurseries, homeowner associations and garden centers.
“Hosting a Census event is a simple way to bring communities together around science, conservation and curiosity,” said Amy Dabbs with Clemson Cooperative Extension. “People of all ages can participate, and every count helps contribute to a larger understanding of pollinator populations across the region.”
The session will explain how the Census works, share ideas for planning engaging local events and provide practical marketing and outreach tips. Participants will also learn how easy it is for citizen scientists to get involved using simple pollinator identification categories.
Participating organizations will receive a free digital marketing packet with printable rack cards, host site signs and promotional materials for print and digital use. A limited number of reusable event signs will also be available.
Webinar details
- What: Great Southeast Pollinator Census Host Site Webinar
- When: May 28, 2026, from 10:30 a.m. to noon
- Where: Online via Zoom
- Recording: Registrants will receive the webinar recording after the event
- Contact: Amy Dabbs at adabbs@clemson.edu
- Registration link
The Great Southeast Pollinator Census began through University of Georgia Extension. It has since grown into a multi-state effort focused on pollinator education, conservation and community engagement. Communities across the Southeast participate in the Census each August.
