Gone are the days when most members carried Newcomb's and Peterson Field Guides. We still have knowledgeable leaders on our walks, but what about when you're botanizing on your own? THERE'S AN APP FOR THAT!
From Field Notes to Smartphones:
Modern Tools for Botanical Observation
and Invasive Species Tracking
Date and Location: Saturday, September 12, 2026; 10 AM at Wood Library, 134 North Main Street, Canandaigua, NY (Hamlin rooms and Reading Garden)
Description:Nature study has always depended on careful observation, strong field skills, and shared knowledge, and today’s smartphones now serve as powerful extensions of that tradition. In this workshop, Associate Professor John Bateman of Finger Lakes Community College explores a curated set of modern nature apps that support botanical exploration, plant identification, and ecological documentation, with special attention to tools useful for tracking invasive species.
We will look at practical applications including plant identification platforms, species observation logging tools, and mapping systems that allow users to record, visualize, and share occurrences of both native and invasive plants. We will also discuss how citizen science platforms contribute to regional and global datasets, and how these tools are being used in real-world conservation and invasive species monitoring efforts. Special emphasis will be placed on how these apps can enhance awareness of invasive species distribution in regions like the Finger Lakes, and how careful data entry and verification can turn everyday field observations into meaningful ecological information.
Designed for members of one of the oldest botanical societies in the United States, this program bridges traditional field botany with modern digital tools, offering practical ways to deepen observation, improve documentation, and better understand the changing plant communities of our landscapes.
Be sure to bring your smartphone!
This program is free and open to all