What’s in your woods? There’s a new app for that

A free new mobile app, About My Woods, is helping landowners and outdoor enthusiasts learn about local forests, according to a recent press release. Developed by the North East State Foresters Association, the app provides location-specific information about the natural world, from identifying wildflowers to watershed data.

Courtesy of NEFA

Courtesy of NEFA

Designed with family forest owners in mind, the app contains maps, photos, information and contact information for resource professionals that can help landowners manage their land.

“Family forest owners are vital to the economic and environmental health of the region, and we developed this app for them,” said Doug Denico, Maine State Forester, in a prepared statement.  “However, anyone who has a smartphone and uses the woods – for hunting, hiking, snowmobiling, or walking the dog – will find something to use and enjoy in the app.”

The North East State Foresters Association — NEFA for short — is the state foresters of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont and New York working in cooperation with USDA Forest Service. The organization is currently looking for partners and funding to expand the app for use throughout the United States.

App development was funded by a grant from the USDA Forest Service.

The app currently includes:

  • Location specific maps, including information on soils, land cover, terrain and watersheds;
  • High quality photos and text descriptions of trees, wildlife, wildflowers, shrubs, and other things you’ll find in the woods;
  • Connections to resource professionals that can help landowners manage their land, and
  • A “Things to Know” section with information on forestry, a glossary, and references to other helpful resources.

About My Woods is available for iPhones and Android devices in the Apple App Store, the Google Play Store and at www.aboutmywoods.org.

 

Aislinn Sarnacki

About Aislinn Sarnacki

Aislinn is a Bangor Daily News reporter for the Outdoors pages, focusing on outdoor recreation and Maine wildlife. Visit her main blog at actoutwithaislinn.bangordailynews.com.