Are you fascinated by the natural world? Have you ever wondered about the species of birds, pollinators, and plants you observed and wished that you could have identified them? There are tools that will help you, and one is the iNaturalist application.
On Nov. 7, Wendy Anderson, a nature tracker biologist with the Texas Parks and Wildlife, will present the ins-and-outs of using this extremely useful app at the Highland Lakes Bird- ing and Wildflower Soci ety meeting. Not only does iNaturalist identify birds, pollinators and plants, but the observations that you submit contribute to biodiversity science! iNaturalist shares these findings with Global Diversity Information Facility to help scien- tists find and use your data. These findings help scien tists and research mangers understand when and where organisms occur. If you are already proficient using iNaturalist, you may want to take part in the Texas Pollinator BioBlitz, Oct. 11-27.
For more information, go to https://tpwd.texas.gov/education/ bioblitz.
Wendy holds masters degrees in environmental sci- ence and in public auairs focused in applied ecology from Indiana University.
She has a passion for conservation and has focused her career on Geographic Information Systems (GIS), endangered species conser- vation, and flora and fauna surveys. As a botanist and GIS analyst/botanist with the landscape ecology program, she conducted botanical surveys throughout Texas, identified habitat for endangered species using remote sensing techniques, and provided technical training and presentations for citizen/community science projects. In advance of the presentation, you may want to download iNaturalist to your phone, iPad or laptop, and bring your device. The group will meet at the Burnet County Agri-Life Extension, at 607 N. Vanderveer in Burnet. Doors will open at 9:30 a.m. for social time and light refreshments; the business meeting begins at 10 a.m.; and Anderson's presentation follows at about 10:30 a.m. Visitors are welcome. This presentation does qualify for advanced training for Master Gardeners and Master Naturalists.
The pre-meeting bird walk at Haley Nelson Park, at 200 Garden Trail in Burnet, will begin at 8 a.m., weather- permitting.
To learn more about Highland Lakes Birding and Wildflower Society, vis it www.HLBWS.com or www.Facebook.com/HLBWS.
