How to count

Count pollinators in 15 minutes

Pick one blooming plant. Watch a two-foot square of it for fifteen minutes. Each time an insect lands, add it to one of eight simple groups. When your timer ends, upload your tallies. That’s a complete count — no species names needed.

15 min · No experience needed

Four simple steps

1. 1

   Pick a plant

   Choose your favorite pollinator plant in full bloom.

2. 2

   Set a 15-minute timer

   Watch a 2 ft × 2 ft area and stay put.

3. 3

   Count by group

   Tally each insect that lands into one of eight simple groups.

4. 4

   Upload your count

   Enter your tallies online during the August count days.

The eight groups

Decide which group each visitor belongs to. No species names.