Right now, the Rivers of Iris exhibit at the Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens is bursting with color. 💐 UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences and University of Georgia Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources researchers and volunteers are studying rare “mystery irises” that may be among the last of their kind in the wild. Their work could lead to the rediscovery of Iris rivularis, a species long thought lost, or a rare variant of Iris hexagona — all happening in one of the world’s largest public collections of iris species, right here in Savannah, Georgia. 🪻 Go check out the breathtaking blooms at Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens during #EarthWeek this week (or #EarthDay tomorrow). 📅 Peak bloom: late April through early May. 👉 Learn more about this research and plan your visit: https://cultivate.caes.uga.edu/experts-study-mystery-irises-at-coastal-georgia-botanical-gardens/index.html (fb)

The Great Southeast Pollinator Census — a community science effort led by UGA Extension’s Becky Griffin — is now the inspiration behind a beautifully illustrated children’s book, "The Great Pollinator Count" by Susan Richmond. What started as a grassroots effort to help students and families connect with nature has grown into a full-on regional movement. And now, thanks to this new book, kids across the country can discover the joy of pollinator science through storytelling and art. 💛 🎉 Becky and Susan are hitting the road this spring with a book tour across Georgia, making stops in: • Decatur – April 18 • Kennesaw – April 19 • Blairsville – April 23 • Woodstock – April 26 • Athens – May 1 👉 Learn more about the book and the project behind it: https://cultivate.caes.uga.edu/community-science-counts/index.html (fb)