New Hanover County Cooperative Extension hosted a two-day Pollinator Count Party at the New Hanover County Arboretum on August 22–23, 2025, advancing local participation in the Great Southeast Pollinator Census—a regional citizen-science project that documents pollinator activity across the Southeast. The Census is coordinated through the University of Georgia and invites residents of all ages to observe a flowering plant for 15 minutes and tally visiting insects. The Great Southeast Pollinator Census

Across two mornings, the free, family-friendly event drew 100 attendees (41 Friday, 59 Saturday). Participants received brief insect-ID training from Extension Master Gardener (EMG) volunteers, then selected blooms on site to complete timed counts. Extension supplied datasheets, plantable pencils, quick ID guides, shaded seating, and hydration stations. Submissions from the Arboretum were entered into the regional dataset, strengthening the picture of seasonal pollinator activity and reinforcing sustainable gardening practices countywide.

Learn more and participate

• Great Southeast Pollinator Census homepage – overview, dates, and project background: gsepc.org.

• Upload Your Counts – online submission portal for the 2025 Census: gsepc.org/count/.

• How to Count – short, step-by-step explainer: gsepc.org/how-to-count-tik-tok/.

• Insect Counting & Identification Guide (PDF) – categories and tips for quick field ID: The Great Southeast Pollinator Census

• Census Data summaries – explore results and impact from previous years: gsepc.org/census-data-2/.

For local program details or future citizen-science events at the Arboretum, contact New Hanover County Cooperative Extension.