Report invasive species on your smartphone

Smartphone owners can report invasive species sightings using an application by the Midwest Invasive Species Information Network.

Users can then see real-time maps of a given species’ distribution based on the data reported by other users. And they can read more about the species.

The data reported to the app will be “used by land managers to help make informed decisions regarding the management and impact of invasive species,” according to the application’s official description.

One can also view pictures taken by other users and submit pictures of their own sightings to the network.

The app was created in 2009 as a part of the network’s data aggregation effort to detect invasive species early and rapid response needs within the Midwest, according to the group’s website.