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Announcing the Great Southeast Pollinator Census, Coming to Columbia August 21-22

The City of Columbia and the Bee City Committee are hosting the University of Georgia’s Great Southeast Pollinator Census, a citizen science project created to make a difference for pollinator conservation, August 21-22.

Listed below are seven sites in the City of Columbia to chose from; pick the one(s) closet to you and join us for the fun.

No matter which site(s) you select, you’ll be helping count bees and other pollinators while learning why these amazing insects are essential to our environment. Join us as we celebrate community and boost pollinator diversity.

Here’s how it will work:

  • Choose a location.
  • Check in and get a recording form.
  • Find a flowering plant. Observe for 15 minutes.
  • Record the number of pollinators you see.
  • Stay for one session or participate in multiple observations.

City of Columbia
Great Southeast Pollinator Census Sites

Friday, August 21

9 a.m. until
Finlay Park
Meet at Taylor Street entrance.
Census will be conducted at the waterfall.
For more info, text (803) 348-0911

4 to 7 p.m.
Saluda Riverwalk
650 Candi Ln., Cola, 29210

Saturday, August 22

8 to 11 a.m.
Granby Park
100 Catawba St., Cola, 29201

8 to 11 a.m.
Harbison Community Pollinator Garden
106 Hillpine Rd., Cola, 29212

9 a.m. to Noon
Belser Arboretum
4080 Bloomwood Rd., Cola, 29205

Saturday, August 22 cont.

4 to 6 p.m.
Stormwater Studios
413 Pendleton St., Cola, 29201

5 to 6 p.m.
Rosewood Community Orchard
1381 Jim Hamilton Blvd., Cola, 29205

6 to 8 p.m.
Rosewood Community
Orchard Potluck

All Great SE Pollinator Census
participants welcome.
(Bring a dish to share and a folding chair.)

Bee City USA

The City of Columbia has officially become a Bee City USA, a national program that promotes pollinator-friendly practices, making it the fifth and largest Bee City in South Carolina. The City unanimously approved the designation on August 5, 2025, following a presentation to the Health, Social and Environmental Affairs Committee.

Bee City USA, managed by the Xerces Society, encourages communities to create sustainable habitats for pollinators. By increasing pollinator-friendly plantings, promoting thoughtful land management and raising awareness, Bee City USA helps protect the pollinators that keep the City’s ecosystems thriving.

About Native Pollinators

Bees transfer pollen between flowers, enabling the incredible diversity of plants on our planet to fruit and reproduce. Pollinators are keystone species in essentially every ecosystem on Earth, facilitating the reproduction of over 85 percent of all flowering plants and over two-thirds of agricultural crops.

In addition to the domestic honey bee (Apis mellifera), a species brought to North America from Europe, there are more than 3,600 species of bees native to the United States. These wild bees are generally quite different than the domesticated honey bee–most of them live solitary lives, with a single female doing all of the work to build a nest, collect pollen and nectar, and lay eggs.

Unlike the honey bee, which nests aboveground and can be managed in wooden hives, more than two out of three wild bees live underground in nests that can be hard to spot from the surface! Some dig down and lay their eggs several feet below ground, while others make nests near the soil surface or in hollowed-out plant stems above ground. While bees are the most important pollinator, butterflies, moths, beetles, flies, wasps and hummingbirds also contribute to pollination.

Research has shown significant declines in native pollinator population sizes and ranges globally with up to 40 percent of pollinator species on Earth at risk of extinction in the coming years as a result a variety of environmental stressors including habitat loss and degradation, exposure to pesticides, diseases and pathogens, and climate change.

The Power of Pollinators

In the City of Columbia, the power of pollinators extends beyond just bees. As a proud Bee City USA affiliate, we celebrate the full range of pollinators that help our city bloom. Butterflies, flies, beetles, bats and other species all play a role in keeping our flowers, trees, and gardens thriving. These pollinators are vital to maintaining biodiversity, promoting sustainability, building climate resilience and supporting strong food systems.

Our Commitments

  • Establish a standing Bee City USA committee.
  • Create and enhance pollinator habitat on public and private land by increasing the abundance of pollinator friendly plants and providing nest sites.
  • Reduce the use of pesticides.
  • Host pollinator awareness events, that highlight native species and share actions we can take to protect and conserve them.
  • Incorporate pollinator-conscious practices into city policies and plans.
  • Publicly acknowledge Bee City USA affiliation with signs.
  • Maintain an online presence for Bee City USA activities as well as our native plant list, native plant supplier list and integrated pest management plan.
  • Annually apply for renewal and report on the previous year’s activities.

Pollinator Friendly Plantings

Planting pollinator-friendly flowers and plants give bees, butterflies and other pollinators the food and shelter they need to survive. Without them, many of the essential food systems and ecosystems we rely on everyday would begin to disappear. It’s an easy addition to yards, gardens  and even balconies, and it helps keep both the City and its residents healthy by supporting local ecosystems.

Community Events and Engagement

Partnering with local organizations like Columbia Green helps build stronger community connections and spreads awareness about the vital role of pollinators. Through fun, hands-on activities, people of all ages can get involved and support the Bee City USA initiative.

Thoughtful Land Management

Pesticides can make it difficult for native plants and pollinators to thrive, ultimately harming the species that keep our ecosystems healthy. That’s why its so important to be thoughtful about if and when pesticides are used within the City. Limiting their use helps protect vital pollinator habitats and supports a more resilient, balanced environment in Columbia.

Ways You Can Get Involved

  • Plant native, pollinator-friendly flowers in yards, gardens, or pots.
  • Avoid using pesticides at home, especially during blooming season.
  • Spread the word! Talk to neighbors and share on social media.
  • Join local Bee City events or volunteer with local groups.
  • Support local farmers who use pollinator-safe practices.

Liaison and Committee Members

  • Mary Pat Baldauf – Sustainability Facilitator – Liaison
  • Dave Voyles – CPAC Appointee – Co-Chair
  • Josey Cline – CPAC Appointee – Co-Chair
  • Karen Kustafik – Park Ranger
  • Brian Neiger – Superintendent of Forestry and Beautification
  • Scott Blocker – Assistant Forestry Superintendent
  • Adam Elvington – Columbia Green
  • Robert Anderson – Director of Public Works
  • Brad O’Brien – Xerces Society

Important Bee City USA Links

Contact Us!

Mary Pat Baldauf – Sustainability Facilitator

Email Mary Pat Baldauf 

Phone: 803-545-2722