We love pollinators but we also embrace technology! Especially helpful iPhone and Android apps that can save time and enhance our eco-efforts . We've tested several and are currently using some platforms and other advanced IoT (Internet of Things) devices in our pollination projects in community gardens, urban farms, and other locations. Here are several you can download and start using right now around the house! Some are free or have a freemium option, but each software app can help you better manage your own nature endeavors and learn more about our amazing biodiverse environment!
1. PlantSnap
Purpose: Plant identification and care tips.
Features: PlantSnap helps identify over 650,000 plants, flowers, trees, succulents, and fungi from photos you take. It provides detailed information about plant species, care instructions, and can help you create a plant journal. This app is great for gardening, identifying wildflowers, and learning more about local flora. There's also a cool map feature! PlantSnap is also great for identifying wildflowers in your area. Available on: iOS & Android
Purpose: Plant identification and gardening advice.
Features: This app allows you to upload pictures of plants and get instant identification, along with tips on caring for them. Garden Answers also helps solve common gardening problems, offering solutions to pests, diseases, and other issues.
Purpose: Identify wild plants (Europe).
Features: Flora Incognita is an app for plant identification based on photos. It focuses on wild plants and is particularly useful for users in Europe, although it also has a growing database for other regions. The app helps you understand plant diversity, ecosystems, and conservation. If you live in the U.S. and plan on traveling abroad, this is your app to use for identifying plants across the pond. Also a cool way to log your visits to specific places! Available on: iOS & Android
4. PlantNet
Purpose: Plant identification.
Features: PlantNet allows users to take pictures of plants and identify them. It's a global community-driven app, where you can contribute by submitting plant images and using the platform for collaborative identification. Great for both gardeners and those interested in wildflowers and native plants. It's the best global citizen science project app we found!
Available on: iOS & Android There's also an online web app version!
5. iNaturalist
Purpose: Observing and tracking wildlife.
Features: iNaturalist is a global platform for tracking wildlife, both plants and animals. It allows you to record and log species you encounter, participate in citizen science, and connect with a community of nature enthusiasts. The app also provides identification suggestions and allows you to track species over time. This is one of our favorite apps as we use it often with the various chapters of the collaboration of Texas A&M University and the Texas Parks and Wildlife agency - Texas Master Naturalist.
6. NatureGate (Wildlife Tracking)
Purpose: Identification and observation of local wildlife.
Features: NatureGate is designed to help identify animals, plants, and fungi found in nature. They're based out of Helsinki, Finland - speaking of biodiversity. You can log and track species you encounter while hiking or exploring. It’s a great app for eco-tourism and observing the natural world, with a focus on biodiversity. More than just plants - animals too! Available as a web-based app.
7. MyGarden
Purpose: Garden design, management and tracking.
Features: MyGarden helps you manage your plants, track their growth, and schedule care activities. It includes features for garden planning, journaling, and even offers expert advice on growing plants from flowers to vegetables. It's a practical and very useful tool for planning and scoping out projects.
Available as a web-based app.
Purpose: Track sun and shade exposures in almost any location. Features: Shade Map allows you to simulate, visualize, and analyze sunlight and shadow almost anywhere. Track via date and times. Use for planting trees, flowers, crops, and herbs. Use it when hiking to plan out your trip based on sunlight. Web-based app with a cool free version.
These mobile apps will help you discover and care for the plants and wildlife around you while offering powerful tools for tracking, learning, and connecting with nature. Look for the Arkearth Ai app coming in 2025! More to come on that release soon! Thank you for your ongoing support for what we do to protect pollinators and biodiversity. Find more at our online store and you can financially support us with you tax-deductible gift!
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