(Lawrenceville, Ga., Aug. 14, 2020) – Gwinnett Community Services encourages Georgians of all ages and abilities to participate in the Great Georgia Pollinator Census on Aug. 21 and Aug. 22.

Pollinators play a critical role in the ecosystem that includes pollinating plants that produce fruits, vegetables, nuts, oils, fibers and other raw materials; feeding and protecting wildlife; cleaning the air; and preventing soil erosion. This project not only helps further research, but it also offers a fun and safe way to spend time outside and learn about different insect pollinators. Participants simply count how many insect pollinators land on a blooming pollinating plant for 15 minutes then upload the results online.

Residents can do so on their own or at a free event where staff will provide insect pollinator identification guides and counting handouts and assistance. Drop by for census counting on:

• Aug. 21 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Lawrenceville Community Garden (225 Benson St., Lawrenceville), Tribble Mill Park (2125 Tribble Mill Parkway, Lawrenceville) or Yellow River Park (3232 Juhan Road, Stone Mountain)
• Aug. 21 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Southeast Gwinnett Cooperative Ministry (55 Grayson Industrial Parkway, Grayson)
• Aug. 21 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Isaac Adair House (15 South Clayton St., Lawrenceville)
• Aug. 21 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Lenora Park Community Garden (4515 Lenora Church Road, Snellville) or Slow Pour Brewing Company (407 North Clayton St., Lawrenceville)
• Aug. 22 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Graves Park Community Garden (1540 Graves Road, Norcross)
• Aug. 22 from 9 a.m. to noon at Vines Park (3500 Oak Grove Road, Loganville)

Drop by to help plant a pollinator habitat and participate in a fun bee-themed activity on Aug. 21 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Sweet Water Park (800 Bethesda School Road, Lawrenceville).

UGA Extension Gwinnett Division Director Mary Black said anyone, regardless of insect knowledge or training, can support this statewide effort.

“It’s an exciting opportunity for citizens to not only engage in community science, but also to make history and a difference in their very own state,” Black said.

Participants should follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines on protecting yourself and others from COVID-19, including staying at least 6 feet away from others and wearing a cloth face cover if possible.

The Great Georgia Pollinator Census, developed by UGA Extension and the Center for Urban Agriculture, helps to understand and advance pollinator health in Georgia by generating snapshots of pollinator populations, increasing entomological literacy and creating sustainable pollinator habitats. Visit GGAPC.org to upload counts or for more information.

Visit GwinnettExtension.com or GwinnettParks.com to download the insect pollinator identification guide and counting handout or for more information.