Cherokee, Smith, and Rusk Counties – Identify & Record Native Plants & Pollinators

Master Gardeners, Master Naturalists, and Pollinator enthusiasts across East Texas are invited to join the Tri-County Pollinator Series, a collaborative educational effort by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension in Cherokee, Smith, and Rusk counties. This summer’s program will spotlight the power of citizen science through iNaturalist, a free app that helps users identify and record native plants and pollinators.

On July 17 from 10 a.m. to noon, participants will gather at the Smith County Extension Office classroom to learn how to use iNaturalist to recognize and document native pollinators. The session will be led by Smith County Horticulturist Greg Grant, with the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, who will demonstrate how everyday observations contribute to regional conservation data and knowledge. Attendees will gain hands-on experience photographing insects and plants, uploading sightings, and connecting with a global community of naturalists.

The July workshop is part of a three-event series celebrating pollinators’ vital role in Texas ecosystems. Earlier sessions include a native plant and pollinator workshop at Caddo Mounds State Historic Site on April 17, and the series concludes August 14 in Rusk County with a honey-tasting program exploring how floral diversity shapes flavor.

Space is limited for the Smith County event, and advance registration is encouraged. For details or to reserve a spot, contact the Smith County Extension Office at 903-590-2980.

Together, these programs aim to inspire East Texans to observe, appreciate, and protect the pollinators that sustain our landscapes.