Great Southeast Pollinator Census at Daniel Stowe Conservancy
Become a Community Scientist
Every pollinator counts—and so can you.
The Great Southeast Pollinator Census is an annual community science project that brings together thousands of volunteers across the Southeast to observe and count pollinators during a single weekend. In just 15 minutes, participants record the pollinators they see visiting flowers, providing valuable data that helps researchers, educators, land managers, and conservation organizations better understand pollinator populations and support conservation efforts throughout the region.
Daniel Stowe Conservancy is excited to participate for our second consecutive year, and we're inviting our community to join us in making this our biggest Census yet.
Prepare for the Census
Whether you're brand new to pollinator identification or want to sharpen your observation skills, our free Lunch + Learn: Pollinator Discovery Series will help you get ready.
Led by Janet Manuel, Ecological Stewardship Manager, and Emma McGee, Horticulturalist, each session includes:
- An engaging indoor presentation
- Guided outdoor pollinator observations in the gardens
- Tips for identifying common Southeast pollinators
- Hands-on instruction for participating in the Great Southeast Pollinator Census
Participants are encouraged to bring a smartphone or camera for the outdoor observation portion.
Lunch + Learn Sessions
August 7 | 12:30–1:30 PM
Buzzing Beyond the Honey Bee: Native Pollinators You Never Knew
Explore the surprising diversity of native bees, wasps, flies, and other important pollinators while learning the observation techniques used during the Census.
August 14 | 12:30–1:30 PM
Wings of Wonder: Honey Bees, Small Bees, Butterflies & Other Tiny Pollinators
Discover honey bees, butterflies, moths, and other beneficial insects while practicing the simple survey methods you'll use during the Census.
Cost: Free with Garden Admission
Registration: Required (capacity limited to 20 participants)
Food: Outside food is not permitted. Lunch and refreshments are available for purchase from the Big Leaf Café.
Location: Garden Pavilion + Gardens at Stowe
Pollinator Census Sessions
Join Us for Census Weekend
Ready to participate? Join us during the official Census weekend!
On August 21 + 22, Conservancy staff will provide a brief orientation, survey materials, and guidance before participants spread throughout the gardens to complete their official 15-minute pollinator count. Whether you attended a Lunch + Learn or are joining us for the first time, the session will prepare you to confidently participate in the Census.
Available Session Times
- 10:30 AM
- 11:30 AM
- 12:30 PM
- 1:30 PM
Choose the session that best fits your schedule and help contribute valuable conservation data while enjoying the beauty of the gardens.
Whether you participate at Daniel Stowe Conservancy or conduct a Census in your own backyard, your observations become part of one of the Southeast's largest community science efforts to better understand and protect our region's pollinators.
Cost: Free with Garden Admission
Registration: Not required, but recommended
Location: Cottage Corner in the Gardens at Stowe