MassWoods

We need your help to "outsmart" invasive species in Massachusetts

If you have an iPhone or a digital camera, the power to protect the natural heritage of Massachusetts is already in your hands. Join the Outsmart Invasive Species Project to help stop the spread of non-native plants and insects that threaten our environment.

The problem 

Invasive species pose environmental and economic threats to communities throughout Massachusetts. Just take Worcester, where an outbreak of the Asian longhorned beetle in 2008 led to the destruction of nearly 30,000 trees. It will take the community years to recoup the value of the lost urban canopy.

You can help 

Early detection and continual monitoring are key to stopping new invasive threats like the Asian longhorned beetle, whether in a forest or a city neighborhood. 

Now you can help researchers cover more ground by being on the lookout for invasive species whenever you’re outdoors. All you need is an iPhone, or a digital camera and access to the Internet.

Get started 

If you have an iPhone: Download the free Outsmart application through iTunes. The application will provide the tools you need to identify and map invasive species anytime - while walking the dog, hiking, fishing, gardening, or working outdoors. 

If you have a digital camera: Register to submit data using the free Early Detection and Distribution Mapping System (EDDMaps). Just go to Outsmart on EDDMaps, and enter “Outsmart” as your “Organization/Company” in the sign-up form. 

Stay tuned 

For the latest news, check out Outsmart Invasive Species on Facebook, follow us on Twitter @outsmartapp, or sign-up for our listserv to regular get e-mail updates about the project.