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Pollinator Power in Alabama: The Great Southeast Pollinator Census of 2025

Extension Education

Jennifer Davidson
County Extension Coordinator - Russell County
Alabama Cooperative Extension Sysytem
Phenix City

Abstract

The Great Southeast Pollinator Census (GSePC) is a regional citizen science initiative designed to create sustainable pollinator habitat, strengthen public entomological literacy, and generate meaningful data on pollinator populations. Building on Georgia’s early leadership, which began with a 2017 pilot involving 50 volunteer gardens, the program has expanded across the Southeast and inspired the establishment of more than 300 new pollinator gardens. Alabama joined the regional effort in 2024 through a pilot conducted by Alabama Extension Home Horticulture agents, followed by a full statewide rollout in 2025. Two Alabama specific objectives guided this expansion: highlighting the state’s rich plant and pollinator diversity through broad census participation and achieving engagement from all 67 counties. To accomplish these goals, Alabama Extension leveraged both longstanding and newly formed partnerships with libraries, botanical gardens, Extension Master Gardener groups, and conservation organizations. Outreach included digital promotion, structured STEM learning opportunities for educators, and extensive one-on-one engagement with citizen scientists. Participants used a standardized, research-based protocol adapted from the original Georgia model to collect pollinator observations. Program outcomes indicate strong statewide impact. Alabama achieved an 82% county participation rate, reflecting significant increases in community engagement and pollinator awareness. 73% of participants reported increases in pollinator related knowledge, and 62 new gardens were created as a direct result of census involvement. Educator engagement helped establish at least one new school garden and broadened learning opportunities, as 62 classrooms integrated the GSEPC into their STEM/STEAM programs. These outcomes demonstrate that Alabama’s adoption of the GSePC strengthened ecological literacy while establishing a baseline understanding of pollinator species statewide. The program’s early success suggests substantial potential for continued habitat creation, expanded participation, and long-term contributions to regional pollinator conservation.

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

This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.

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Authors: Jennifer Davidson, Bethany O'Rear, Amanda Bratcher, Kaylin Bruening, Amy Dabbs, Becky Griffin, Jeremy Rhoden
  1. Davidson, J. County Extension Coordinator - Russell County, Alabama Cooperative Extension System, Alabama, 36867
  2. O'Rear, B. Extension Agent, Alabama Cooperative Extension System, Alabama, 35049
  3. Bratcher, A. Horticulture Agent, North Carolina Cooperative Extension, North Carolina, 27332
  4. Bruening, K. Extension Agent Assistant, Mississippi State University's Coastal Conservation and Restoration Program, Mississippi, 39532
  5. Dabbs, A. Master Extension Associate Statewide School and Community Gardening Coordinator Horticulture Program Team, Clemson University, South Carolina, 29643
  6. Griffin, B. Community and school Garden Coordinator, University of Georgia, Georgia, 30512
  7. Rhoden, J. Urban & Residential Horticulture Agent, and Master Gardener Volunteer Coordinato, UF/IFAS, Florida, 34470