Ready to become a pollinator pro? If you love pollinators – or want to – this 7-week virtual course will transform the way you see your garden, greenspace, and the tiny creatures that power them. Led by experts in their insect fields, you will learn more, see more, and become a more confident Census counter!
The Great Southeast Pollinator Course runs June 16 through July 28, 2026, with live webinars every Tuesday from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m. ET. Each week spotlights a different group of pollinators and beneficial insects, taught by researchers and Extension professionals from across the Southeast.
What You’ll Learn
Over seven weeks, you’ll build a strong foundation in pollinator identification and ecology – from the carpenter bees nesting in your deck to the tiny sweat bees you might not even notice. By the end of the course, you’ll be ready to lead or participate in the Great Southeast Pollinator Census on August 21–22, 2026.
Course Schedule
- June 16 — Welcome & Carpenter Bees | Dr. Bethany Harris & Whitney Ottinger
- June 23 — Bumble Bees | Avery Young & Becky Griffin
- June 30 — Butterflies | Dr. Sonia Altizer & Jeremy Rhoden
- July 7 — Small Bees | Dr. Kris Braman & Amanda Bratcher
- July 14 — Honey Bees | Dr. Jamie Ellis & Bethany O’Rear
- July 21 — Flies & Wasps | Dr. Scott Clem, Dr. Jason Schmidt & Gabrielle LaTora
- July 28 — Beetles & Other Insects / Course Wrap-Up | Dr. Joe McHugh
Cost & Commitment
The cost of the course is $50, and the funds will go towards the Great Southeast Pollinator Census program. Participants who live in one of the six Census states – Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, Alabama, or Mississippi – also commit to leading, assisting, or participating in a Census counting event on August 21st or 22nd, 2026. If you live outside the Southeast, you are welcome to join us for just the course fee.
If the registration fee presents a financial hardship, please email us – we don’t want cost to be a barrier to participation.
Upon completion of the course, participants will earn a certificate. The course is equivalent to 1+ PLU for educators.
Register Now
Registration is open and spots are limited. Visit GSePC.org/course for full details about our expert presenters and to sign up.
The Great Southeast Pollinator Course is a program of the Great Southeast Pollinator Census, coordinated by Becky Griffin at the University of Georgia Center for Urban Agriculture, College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences.
