SUBJECT:
Title
PRESENTATION - Recognition of Master Gardener Volunteer Selected as Grand Marshal for Great Southeast Pollinator Census - Jeremy Rhoden, Extension Agent I, Cooperative Extension Services (Presentation Only)
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INITIATOR: DEPARTMENT:
Crystal McCazzio, Director Cooperative Extension Services
DESCRIPTION/BACKGROUND:
In 2024, the Marion County Master Gardener Volunteers led a statewide initiative to include Florida in The Great Southeast Pollinator Census, which was created by the University of Georgia in 2019, and expanded into South Carolina, North Carolina, and Alabama. The census is a two-day event in August that invites citizens across these five states to participate in pollinator counting in their yards, local parks, recreation areas, etc. Participants sit in front of a blooming plant for 15 minutes and record the number and type of insect they see land on the plant. Once completed, the counts are uploaded to the Great Southeast Pollinator Census website, contributing to pollinator conservation one count at a time.
This year, the census is on August 22nd and 23rd, 2025. Each year, the census coordinator chooses a Grand Marshal to officially kickoff the census, and we are proud to announce that Deb Mackey, a Marion County Master Gardener Volunteer, was selected to commence the Great Southeast Pollinator Census across all five states! Last year was Florida’s first year participating and had over 2,800 Floridians participate in the census across 53 counties. Deb was especially instrumental in promoting the census, sharing resources, and advocating for pollinator sustainability. Thanks to her efforts, and those in her committee, Marion County set the stage for the census and has been recognized across the southeast.
BUDGET/IMPACT:
None
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Recommended action
Presentation only.
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