Tree Mapping Project

Hi! Interns Sarah and Victoria here to talk about our Interactive Field Guide!

The interactive tree mapping project has recently picked up speed in the last few weeks with the arrival (finally!) of spring. Buds are beginning to appear, which makes trees a lot easier to identify.

In general, the tree mapping project is an attempt to create an interactive field guide using geographic information system (GIS) mapping technology paired with in-depth knowledge about the trees, their interactions in the ecosystem, and various other facts about their use and history. The field guide will hopefully allow students to learn more about their surroundings and connect with nature on a deeper level.

We started the project at the beginning of the spring 2015 semester. Since then, a majority of the work has involved field experience in a winter setting, which included identifying bark types and the shape of trees out in the snow. Now that the snow is gone we are moving full speed ahead. We have begun to list all the trees on campus in a database with specific information that we will use in the future for the field guide application.

 If you happen to see us walking around looking at trees, don’t hesitate to ask us about what we are doing. We have already learned so much more about trees that we thought possible and would love to share our newly acquired knowledge with you!

Sarah Kowalski and Victoria Roberts