Choose a Favorite Plant: Select a plant in your garden that is currently blooming and attracting insects. This makes counting enjoyable and focused.
Regular Observation: Make a habit of observing pollinators in your garden, even outside of the Census dates. This builds familiarity.
Encourage Friends: Challenge your gardening friends to participate and compare notes!
Activities to Build Momentum:
Plant for Continuous Bloom: Select a variety of plants that bloom throughout the growing season to provide a consistent food source for pollinators.
Reduce Pesticide Use: Commit to reducing or eliminating pesticide use in your garden, especially during bloom times.
Provide Water & Nesting Sites: Offer a shallow water source (e.g., a bird bath with pebbles) and consider leaving some bare ground or brush piles for nesting.
Utilizing Extension- and Research-Based Resources:
GSePC Website: Download the simplified "Counting Sheet" and "Insect Counting and Identification Guide."
