Ohio State University Extension has released a new app for spotting and tracking invasive species — non-native organisms such as Asian carps, purple loosestrife, Spotted lanterfly and Asian longhorned beetle — to try to keep them from setting up beachheads and hurting the economy and environment.
By using the free Great Lakes Early Detection Network app, anyone can take pictures of suspected invasive species — whether of farm, woods or water — and upload the pictures and locations for verification.
Based on this early warning, scientists can send out alerts, map the spread and figure out a battle plan.
EDDMapS is another reporting tool available to the public, in app and website format, to send invasive species sighting information to a national network of expert verifiers.