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Florida Extension Educational Events Drive Pollinator Census Participation

Extension Education

Tiare Saracino
Extension Agent II
UF/IFAS Extension
Tampa

Abstract

The Great Southeast Pollinator Census (GSEPC) is an annual citizen science initiative conducted each August to document pollinator activity across the southeastern United States. Established by the University of Georgia, the program now includes six participating states and has grown steadily through targeted public education efforts. In Florida, UF/IFAS Extension agents play a key role in expanding census participation by delivering research-based programming on pollinator ecology, plant selection, and insect identification. These educational events—ranging from webinars and in-person classes to youth programs, garden club presentations, and online courses—equip residents with the skills needed to recognize pollinator groups and understand their ecological importance. In 2025, UF/IFAS Extension agents organized 56 outreach events that engaged more than 500 participants statewide. As a result, volunteers from 59 counties contributed to the Census, with 5,122 observers documenting 109,336 insects across seven taxonomic categories, nearly doubling Florida’s participation from 2024. Participants also reported establishing 183 new pollinator gardens, demonstrating the program’s impact on habitat creation and conservation behaviors. Through this integrated educational approach, Extension agents effectively build public awareness, enhance community engagement in pollinator conservation, and generate valuable observational data for research and outreach. Future efforts will focus on expanding Florida’s participation in the 2026 Census, scheduled for August 21–22.

Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC

This poster is being submitted only for display at AM/PIC. Poster is not to be judged, but the abstract will be published in the proceedings.

A poster file has not been provided

Authors: Tiare Saracino, Jeremy Rhoden, Cynthia Nazario-Leary, Elizabeth Bolles, Lisa Strange, Julie McConnell, Liah Continentino
  1. Saracino, T. Extension Agent II, University of Florida, Florida, 33602
  2. Rhoden, J. Extension Agent, University of Florida, Florida, 34470
  3. Nazario-Leary, C. Extension Agent, University of Florida, Florida, 32669
  4. Bolles, E. Extension Agent, University of Florida, Florida, 32533
  5. Strange, L. Extension Agent, University of Florida, Florida, 32348
  6. McConnell, J. Specialist, University of Florida, Florida, 32428
  7. Continentino, L. Extension Agent, University of Florida, Florida, 33070