Within nature lies a bustling story — one where pollinators take center stage, carrying the promise of fruit, seeds, and the next generation of life.
But what are pollinators, and why track their presence?
Simply put, pollinators are anything that help transport pollen from one flower to another, the birds, bees, bats, butterflies, moths, flies, even the wind itself, ensuring the survival of the world’s food crops.
Their efforts ripple through ecosystems and economies alike, contributing an estimated $200 to $500 billion annually while servicing more than 180,000 plant species.
From the tiniest fly to the delicate flutter of a butterfly’s wing, the world’s more than 200,000 pollinator species work tirelessly, though fewer than 5% are hummingbirds, bats, or small mammals. The overwhelming majority? Insects, whose daily work sustains our gardens and wild landscapes alike.
Yet these vital populations face mounting threats. Habitat loss, pollution, climate change, invasive species, and disease are pushing more than 40% of invertebrate pollinator species — especially bees and butterflies — toward extinction. It is now, more than ever, that we must pay close attention. By monitoring pollinator numbers, we not only witness the health of our environment, but can also identify ways to protect and restore these indispensable creatures
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Susan Bailey
That’s where you come in! On Aug. 22 and 23, Sandhills Horticultural Gardens will once again join fellow nature enthusiasts across North Carolina and the Southeast states of South Carolina, Georgia, Florida and Alabama for the Great Southeastern Pollinator Count.
This marks our third consecutive year participating in this inspiring citizen science initiative, and we are inviting everyone in the community to become a citizen scientist for a day — no experience necessary, just curiosity and a willingness to make a difference.
The Williamson Pollinator Garden, located in front of the Ball Visitors' Center, will serve as the location for the count. Prospective participants will register in advance for a 15-minute interval between 9 and 11 a.m. Anyone of any age who knows how to count is welcome to participate.
On the 22nd or 23rd, simply park in the Aristotle Lot on the SCC campus, walk across to the Visitors' Center to check in, and receive a brief introduction to the categories of pollinators you will be observing. Then, you will head into the garden to record pollinator visits to a designated plant during your 15-minute window. Once complete, your observations will be uploaded to the Census site, and every volunteer will receive a certificate commemorating their contribution.
Susan Bailey
“This annual count provides invaluable data, helping us understand what actions are needed to protect and increase pollinator numbers,” shares Marcia Woodfield of the Sandhills Horticultural Gardens. “Pollinators are essential not just to our gardens, but to our entire ecosystem, our food systems, and our collective well-being.”
This is more than a count, it is a celebration of the interconnectedness of life. While bees and butterflies often claim the spotlight, you will discover a diverse cast of pollinating characters throughout the gardens, each playing their part in nature’s grand performance. Participating in the Pollinator Census is not only an opportunity to aid conservation efforts but also a chance to learn about the remarkable diversity of pollinators in our region.
Fun, educational activities for children will also be available during the count. On Saturday, the Moore County Extension 4H youth development agents, Kaley Lawing and Kimberly Singleton, will guide children in making bee habitats using recycled materials for placement in outdoor areas.
We also have the Sandhills Community College Natural Resource Management and Conservation Club coming out to host a pollinator table for kids on both Friday and Saturday, sharing resources and information to educate the younger generation. Of course, the adults usually learn something too!
Step into the shoes of a scientist and help safeguard the future of our pollinators. To register, visit www/sandhills.edu/gardenevents. Join us for an engaging, hands-on experience that promises both education and enjoyment and helps to ensure our world stays in bloom.
