University of Redlands
In Fall 2016 faculty from the Department of Biology, Center for Spatial Studies, and Information Technology Services began a collaboration to build on tree location data gathered by faculty and students within the Center for Spatial Studies to create an interactive map that combines location data with species descriptions that will continue to develop in coming years. This will be used as a resource not only by multiple biology classes, but could also be used for spatial studies, environmental science, and as an open educational resource for outreach with the surrounding community. Through creating an interactive spatial resource, we hope to merge technology with the “outdoor classroom” in a way that takes advantage of the increasing use and convenience of mobile technology.
The University of Redlands campus currently has 104 different tree species, of which 1429 individuals have been mapped thus far. Not every region of campus has been mapped, so more individuals and possibly species remain to be discovered! Nametags containing QR codes will be placed on representatives of each species as biology students create webpages with detailed species information. Scanning a QR code will bring the user to a webpage containing information on identification, natural history, medicinal or cultural uses, and more.
Students in Community Mapping have mapped additional trees on north and south campus, while species accounts have been created by students in Botany, First Year Seminar, and Ecology, Evolution, & Behavior. Furthermore, information for associated insects has been added for six tree species by Entomology students.
Thank you for visiting and we hope you enjoy exploring the wonderful diversity of trees that the University of Redlands has to offer!
We would like to thank those involved in making this project a reality, including Dustin VanOverbeke and James Blauth in the Department of Biology, Nathan Strout in the Center for Spatial Studies, and Cheyne Murray, Shariq Ahmed, and Gary Johnson in Information and Technology Services. Furthermore, we thank all our dedicated University of Redlands students who contributed to or will add to this project in the future. This project was made possible through the University of Redlands 2016-2017 Faculty Technology Grant.
