Do you want to help protect our environment and support local scientific initiatives? The Great Florida Pollinator Census offers a fantastic opportunity to do just that.
Pollinators are incredibly important animals; their impact is woven into many aspects of our lives, from environmental health to food security and economic stability. They facilitate plant reproduction and provide essential food to wildlife, and are responsible for one in every three bites of food we eat.
While bees and butterflies often come to mind, the world of pollinators is vast and diverse, including moths, beetles, flies, wasps, birds and even bats.
Unfortunately, more than 22% of North American pollinators are at an elevated risk of extinction due to urbanization, agriculture and climate change.
Pollinators need our help, and citizen science initiatives present an excellent opportunity to get involved.
Citizen science, or community science, empowers the public to participate in scientific initiatives, expands study areas and enhances data collection. It also encourages community members to interact with their environment in new ways, gaining knowledge, experience and appreciation for aspects of our ecosystems that typically go unseen.
Scientists need more information on pollinator populations, and citizen science can help fill these gaps. By participating in the Great Florida Pollinator Census, you contribute directly to scientific efforts. This statewide project is made possible by public involvement. Participation grows our community, strengthens our connections to nature and enhances understanding of the importance of pollinators and their habitat.
In the Keys, with more than 1,000 islands spanning 123 miles off the mainland, local wildlife faces unique challenges. The Keys host numerous endangered and at-risk species, including various pollinator species. Habitat loss is one of the primary threats to pollinators. With only 137 square miles of land in the Keys, the decisions made by residents significantly affect local wildlife. Increased awareness and engagement in citizen science can influence conservation efforts; the more residents learn about and understand local pollinators, the more motivated they feel to participate in conservation.
The University of Florida’s County Extension Service has been working to increase awareness of pollinator value and conservation needs across the Keys. The Great Florida Pollinator Census has been instrumental in these efforts.
Created by the University of Georgia Extension in 2019, the census has three primary goals: increase pollinator habitat, educate the public about the ecological importance of insects and collect valuable data. The census consists of a simple pollinator count: just sit or stand next to a blooming plant for 15 minutes, tallying each time a pollinator visits.
Once your observation period is complete, input your findings on the Great Southeast Pollinator Census webpage. Last year, this community effort led to a record level of census participation across the Keys, with 172 participants submitting counts totaling 825 insects. This year, with your help, we hope to break this record.
The 2026 pollinator census will take place on Aug. 21-22. For those participating at home, counting sheets and pollinator identification guides are available at gsepc.org. If you prefer guidance or a group setting, consider attending one of the events held by the UF/IFAS Monroe County Extension Service; each includes a brief introduction to the census, a lesson on pollinator identification and the actual census count.
To stay updated on pollinator census events, follow the Monroe County Extension Service on Facebook: UF IFAS Monroe County Extension, and Eventbrite: UF/IFAS Extension, Monroe County. Feel free to contact Liah Continentino with questions at Continentino-liah@monroecounty-fl.gov or 305-998-9580.
