Leafsnap is an electronic field guide being developed by researchers at Columbia University, University of Maryland, and the Smithsonian Institution. The FREE app for the iPhone/iPad utilizes visual recognition software to help identify the species of a tree by taking a picture of its leaf. In the browse mode you can find high-resolution images of the leaves, bark, fruit, seeds and petiole of 184 trees in the United States. I love the idea of this app – it turns citizens into scientists. A walk in the woods with your child can become a science lesson. There is also a place within the app to “collect” your own leaves reinforcing the idea that when visiting nature we should ” take only picture and leave only footprints.” There are also 4 games in this app which test your knowledge of leaves, flowers, and fruits.

According to the Leafsnap website, in order for the leaf to be recognized, it must be a single leaf on a white background. You also must have a working internet connection when you press “snap-it” because the picture has to be sent to a server for processing. These criteria could be little tricky if you are on a walk in the woods. I headed to my backyard with my Smartphone and a square of white paper to check it out. I was able to snap a picture and get it to send. As technology moves forward this app will continue to improve. In the meantime, it’s exciting to be part a scientific collaborative effort!

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