Kudzu Tracker App
Kudzu is an invasive plant species that spreads quickly, covering other plants and trees and depriving them of sunlight. Its introduction and overgrowth can have devastating consequences for an ecosystem. Is there kudzu in your community? If so, build a simple app that enables people to track the location and extent of kudzu infestation (or another invasive species) in your area. Once you’ve created the software, educate your community about the problem of invasive species and then encourage people to download and use the tracking app. Together, the data you collect can be distributed to local organizations that can help with control and remediation of the problem.
How do I get started? First, download our Stand Out From The Pack - Campaign PDF. Next, learn about what invasive species, if any, are strangling the native flora in your community.
How do I expand this narrative arc? If nature or conservation are in your narrative arc, consider building on this interest with one of the following:
Organize a community event where you, friends and neighbors identify and Fight Alien (Plant) Species.
See our post about helping preserve biodiversity in South Sudan using camera trap images.
Using materials from the National Wildlife Federation, start a campaign in your local community to promote native plants and preserve natural habitats.
Plant a Tulip Test Garden to track the impact of climate change on plants in your community.
HOT TIP: This is a great project for someone interested in the intersection between computer science and app building and environmentalism on the other. Done properly, this will look very impressive on college application.