On Friday, August 23rd, Katie's Krops volunteers will participate in the Great Southeast Pollinator Census; a citizen science project, initiated by the University of Georgia that is a crucial step toward pollinator conservation. The census is a unique and fun opportunity for those of all ages to participate in scientific research to help aid our pollinator population. This will be the 3rd consecutive year that Katie’s Krops volunteers will be gathering the buzz on the pollinators in their flagship garden for the census.
The mission of Katie's Krops is to empower youth to grow vegetable gardens and share the harvest with those facing hunger and food insecurity. Pollinators are vital to those efforts. Katie's Krops said they have made "great efforts to create a pollinator-safe haven" in their flagship garden by avoiding pesticides, establishing a butterfly house to help save the endangered monarch butterfly, and planting pollinator-friendly bushes and flowers throughout the garden.
Unfortunately, Tropical Storm Debby significantly affected Katie's Krops Flagship Garden, leading to not only substantial crop loss, but also the loss of some established and vital pollinator plants. Because of these losses, they are relying on the pollinator count to help determine how the storm may have impacted pollinators in our area.
A significant amount of wildlife has been displaced from Tropical Storm Debby, including bees, butterflies, dragonflies, birds, and others. If you are interested in participating in the pollinator census in your area, visit https://survey123.arcgis.com/
